Boyle County Schools is proud to announce that nine outstanding students have received the first Seal of Biliteracy for Boyle County Schools. These recognitions not only honor their linguistic skills but also their commitment to becoming global citizens. Mia Severance earned the biliteracy seal showing proficiency in German. Cannon Bostick, Kayla Cervantes, Joey Chen, Cristian Hernandez, Zuri Mitchell, Luis Sanchez, Lance Slone and Annabelle Tarter each received their seals for proficiency in Spanish.

Students in Mr. Laymon’s class, Design for the Internet, created seal options that were then voted on by the staff. The winning design, created by Sophomore Lola Knight, will be included on the high school diploma at commencement.

This seal is awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in both English and a second language. A student can meet the English benchmark by achieving qualifying scores on the ACT, AP tests, or on the ACCESS exam. Second language proficiency is measured by attaining qualifying scores on the AP exam or the AAPPL exam. Both of these exams assess the student’s ability to speak, listen, read and write in the World Language.

World Language Coordinator Heather Wheeler stated, “I’m extremely proud of these students for their commitment and dedication to studying world language and culture. They understand that being biliterate in the 21st century is extremely valuable in Boyle County, the state of Kentucky, and wherever life will take them. I also love that students achieved the seal in a variety of different ways and from a variety of backgrounds.”

Boyle County Schools is committed to fostering a multicultural and multilingual environment that prepares students for the globalized world.

“The Biliteracy Seal is a result of the dedication of the superintendent and Board of Education prioritizing K-12 access to Spanish instruction in Boyle County Schools as well as the dedication of all of our Spanish and ELL teachers in inspiring a curiosity and love of Spanish and learning in our students,” said Wheeler.

For more information on the Seal of Biliteracy, the Global Seal of Biliteracy, and the Global Citizenship Certificate Program, please visit: kwla.org/seal-biliteracy.