By Patrick Huewe, JK-12 World Languages Department Chair
The MICDS World Languages and Cultures Department was excited to celebrate its 3rd Annual Seal of Biliteracy Ceremony. This year’s ceremony marked another milestone for the department, recognizing a fantastic group of students who have achieved exceptional proficiency in a Language Other Than English (LOTE). Earning this seal signifies not only impressive language skills but also a deep appreciation for different cultures. It’s a symbol of a student’s dedication, cultural awareness, and the valuable global skills they have acquired.
The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious credential that acknowledges students who have gone above and beyond in their language studies. To earn the Seal, students must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in all four language domains: reading, writing, listening, and speaking on the STAMP (Standardized Measurement of Proficiency) assessment, which is an assessment aligned with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency guidelines.
This year’s recipients benefited from the dedication of exceptional instructors, including French Teacher Steven Crumb, Chinese Teacher Lily Childs, and Spanish Teachers Robin Begley, Kelly Weidenmiller, and Sarah Elliott-Vandiver. Their tireless efforts create a dynamic and supportive environment where students can flourish in their chosen languages and experience them both in and outside of the classroom in authentic ways. It goes without saying that the teachers who preceded them also deserve much recognition for their preparation of students at the novice and lower intermediate levels.
Special Recognition for Distinguished Seals and Multilingual Accomplishments
We extend special congratulations to students who were awarded the Distinguished Seal of Biliteracy. This honor recognizes those who have achieved an even higher level of proficiency in their LOTE. This year’s Distinguished Seal recipients are Eric Feng ’24, Ryan Jan ’25, Ashley Ordoñez ’26, Arjun Puri ’25, Jackson Vetter ’25, and Pei Pei Huang ’25.
Additionally, two remarkable students earned the Seal of Biliteracy in two languages! Carli Salazar Estrada ’25 was recognized for her fluency in both Spanish (her native language) and French, with Dr. Crumb’s guidance. Ric Jain ’25 achieved the Seal for his proficiency in Hindi and Spanish, working with Ms. Weidenmiller.
A Brighter Future with Biliteracy
Our guest speaker for the evening was the President and CEO of the International Institute of Saint Louis, Arrey Obenson. In a powerful speech, he emphasized the importance of language learning for students. He didn’t just focus on vocabulary and grammar but on the bridge languages build between cultures. He encouraged students to actively engage with immigrants and refugees, highlighting the richness of cross-cultural exchange. The message was clear: these students are not just studying for exams; they are preparing to be global leaders. With a strong foundation in languages and intercultural understanding, they have the potential to make a significant impact on the world. The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy program empowers students to become valuable assets in a globalized world. These multilingual graduates will have a significant advantage in college admissions, future careers, and their ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Congratulations to all the MICDS World Languages students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in 2024! Your dedication to language learning is truly inspiring.
Click here to see the program from the evening.