June 2, 2022 – For Immediate Release
Record Number of Graduates Earn the Seal of Biliteracy at Harvard High School
HARVARD, Ill. — 31 Harvard High School (HHS) students graduated with the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, recognizing a high level of proficiency in two or more languages.
“The Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy is a recognition given by a district to graduating high school students who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and another language in reading, writing, listening, and speaking,” says Amber Bowgren, Director of Dual Language. “The Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy will be affixed to the graduate's diploma, and students can earn up to 12 university credits for free.”
The Seal of Biliteracy is a state-supported recognition of scholars that have acquired language for college and career readiness. To prove proficiency in two or more languages, students must meet a benchmark score on the SAT or ACT and earn a 4 or 5 in the Advanced Placement language exam.
“It is an exceptional accomplishment to earn the Seal of Biliteracy,” says Bowgren. “Scholars performing at this level are very well-prepared to use their skills in college and career. This is a moment that they have been working toward since kindergarten, if not since birth.”
Students who successfully demonstrated proficiency in both English and another language according to state criteria to earn their seal of biliteracy are:
Alva, Omar
Barnett, Kaitlyn
Bernal Ramírez, Oger
Bustos, Evelyn
Castañeda, Manuela
Castañeda, Sandra
Flores Acosta, Eduardo
Galarza, Lee
González, Lizbeth
Hernández Zarate, Mateo
Hernández, Brian
Hernández, Enrique
Hernández, Itzel
Hernández, Jennifer
Herrera, José
Huicochea, Emily
Jiménez, Aldo
Keller, Adeline
Kelly, Caoimhe
Lamas-Barrón, Edelmina
Maya Ortiz, Carlos
Ortiz, Jesús
Parra, Adilene
Pichardo, José
Puentes, Karen
Quiñones, Edwin
Rojas Nava, Nely
Rosas, Nathan
Scott, Caden
Silva, Juan
Tittle, Abigail
The graduating class is the fourth cohort of Harvard's Dual Language Program, which began in 2007. The District's goal is to have 50 percent of graduating seniors earn the Seal of Biliteracy by 2026.
About Harvard CUSD 50
Harvard Community Unit School District 50 proudly serves more than 2,600 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Harvard CUSD 50 features a dual language program, one-to-one computing, advanced building trades curriculum, modern STEM classes, and yearly summer camps. The community of Harvard is located in McHenry County, seven miles south of the Illinois/Wisconsin border.
Media Contact
McKenzie Laurent | Director of Communication and Public Relations
mlaurent@cusd50.org | 815-943-4022 Ext. 2103