Seal of Biliteracy Awarded to 75 Clarence High School Students
Seal of Biliteracy Awarded to 75 Clarence High School Students
Updated
Years of hard work in the study of languages and culture were recognized as a group of 75 Clarence High School seniors received the New York State Seal of Biliteracy.
“It really is an honor, and we’re happy to celebrate the work they’ve put into this achievement,” said Kerrie Pogodzinski, World Languages Department Chair. “Our hope is that they will take this language and continue to use it throughout their lives."
Students were recognized for their hard work during a breakfast with teachers and administrators on June 5, 2025, and were presented a medallion along with a graduation cord to wear at commencement. Though this year’s seal recipients primarily featured students learning Spanish, French and Latin, students also received the seal in Punjabi and Russian. Students are able earn the seal through completing coursework and projects that show mastery in English and a second language.
Laura Kreher, Class of 2025 salutatorian, received the seal in Spanish and French, and thanked her teachers for encouraging her learning. She said she hoped to study abroad in the future to further develop her language skills and usage.
“It’s definitely a different side of yourself that you don’t get to explore in other classes,” she said. “It’s pretty special.”
This year’s group of 75 seal recipients continues the District’s strong emphasis on language education, with the District having 71 recipients of the seal in 2024 and 85 in 2023. Students can become eligible for the seal by completing certain course requirements as well as a project in both their English and second language.
Spanish teacher William O’Donnell congratulated students for their focus on their language studies even through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, which began as many were taking introductory language class work at Clarence Middle School.
“You had a huge uphill battle, and you saw it through to the end,” he said. “Hopefully you can take these skills out into the world wherever you go.”
Research has found positive links between learning a language and creativity, concentration and overall academic performance.
More information about language offerings at Clarence High School can be found at https://www.clarenceschools.org/schools/clarence-high-school/guidance-counseling/schedulingcourses/world-languages.
