Biddeford High School (BHS) proudly announces that ten graduating seniors have earned Maine’s Seal of Biliteracy, an award that formally recognizes student achievement in language learning and highlights the value of multilingualism in today’s world.
This year marks the first time Biddeford High School offered students the opportunity to pursue the Seal, and the response was strong—18 seniors participated, with ten meeting the demanding criteria to receive the honor. To qualify, students had to demonstrate proficiency at the “Intermediate 2” level or higher in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in both English and an additional language through an approved rigorous assessment.
BHS Principal Martha Jacques praised the students’ achievements, stating, “These students are truly impressive. Earning the Seal of Biliteracy not only recognizes their hard work and language ability, but also sets them apart as future-ready graduates equipped for an increasingly global society.”
The students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy this year are Eva Aranovitch for Spanish, Wilford Gabriel Chiong for Tagalog, Amelia Futxeca for Portuguese, Johnford Go for Tagalog, Maria Lembissa for Portuguese, Ahlany Martinez for Spanish, Samson Milliken for Tagalog, Kellan Mudasigwa for French, Teresa Pedro for French, and Kristopher Rankin for Japanese.
The Seal becomes part of a student’s academic transcript, offering a competitive advantage for college admission and future employment. Several colleges and universities in Maine—including the University of Southern Maine and Southern Maine Community College—recognize the Seal of Biliteracy by awarding up to eight college credits for demonstrated language proficiency. Others, such as the University of Maine at Orono, the University of Maine at Farmington, the University of Maine at Machias, and Husson University, offer six credits.
“This award reflects Biddeford’s commitment to honoring diverse cultural backgrounds and preparing students for real-world success,” said Dr. Mandy Cyr, Director of Curriculum and Innovation for the Biddeford School Department. “Multilingualism is a strength, and this recognition opens doors to higher education, employment, and global citizenship.”
Beginning this school year, the Maine Department of Education has made the process of awarding the Seal more accessible by allowing schools to grant it locally through a designated Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator. This change is designed to streamline the process and increase participation by making it easier for both students and educators. Biddeford High School’s Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator is Heather Tremblay, Curriculum and Student Support Coordinator at BHS.
Eligibility for the Seal requires meeting language proficiency benchmarks through an approved assessment. Students whose home language is not English may be eligible for certain domain exemptions if they have not had sufficient educational opportunity to become literate in their native language. Additionally, students who are deaf or hard of hearing may qualify for an exemption from the listening domain, ensuring that the process remains inclusive and equitable.
Biddeford High School looks forward to expanding this opportunity in future years, continuing its mission to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a diverse and connected world. For more information about Maine’s Seal of Biliteracy, visit the Maine Department of Education website at https://www.maine.gov/doe/learning/content/world-language/biliteracy.
Pictured Above: (L-R) Biddeford High School’s ten graduating seniors who have earned Maine’s Seal of Biliteracy: Kellan Mudasigwa (French), Johnford Go (Tagalog), Wilford Gabriel Chiong (Tagalog), Eva Aranovitch (Spanish), Teresa Pedro (French), Amelia Futxeca (Portuguese), and Ahlany Martinez (Spanish). Not pictured: Maria Lembissa (Portuguese), Samson Milliken (Tagalog), and Kristopher Rankin (Japanese).
Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography