6/10/2024 - New York State Seal of Biliteracy Celebration

On June 10, Whitesboro seniors who received the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) celebrated their accomplishments with cake, cookies and refreshments in The Pit, after school. Administrators, teachers and staff joined the students to recognize their achievements. This year, 32 students received this honor, with a total 34 seals earned!

The breakdown of awards is as follows:

• Seven students earned the seal in English and American Sign Language
• Fourteen students earned the seal in English and Spanish
• Six student earned the seal in English and French
• One student earned the seal in English and Burmese
• One student earned the seal in English and Yemeni
• One student earned the seal in English and Russian
• One student earned the seal in multiple languages: English, Spanish and Russian
• One student earned the seal in multiple languages: English, Russian and Ukrainian

The NYSSB recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages. The NYSSB intends to encourage the study of languages, to identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers, to provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission and placement, to prepare students with 21st century skills, to recognize the value of language instruction, and to affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.  Successful candidates will earn three points in English and three points in each world language from a points matrix, which includes course grades, national and state exams, transcripts, and culminating projects. 

Students who earn the NYSSB receive a special Seal on their high school diploma and a medallion to wear at graduation.

Congratulations to the 32 students who have gone above and beyond to earn the NYSSB, and thank you to all the administrators, faculty and staff who have helped make this endeavor a success!