Kewanee High School Spanish Students Earn Biliteracy Recognition

Forty students at Kewanee High School have earned high honors for their achievements in bilingualism, receiving the Seal of Biliteracy and Commendation toward Biliteracy from the Illinois State Board of Education. This recognition is reserved for students demonstrating strong proficiency in both Spanish and English, with a special seal added to their diplomas and transcripts. By passing challenging language assessments, including the rigorous STAMP test and English ACT benchmarks, these students are being formally recognized for their hard work and linguistic abilities.

Students earning the Commendation toward Biliteracy demonstrate a remarkable commitment to mastering a second language. This recognition is awarded to those who achieve at least an intermediate proficiency level in their target language, assessed through the comprehensive STAMP test. The rigorous exam evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities using authentic materials and randomized prompts. The program’s goal is not just academic excellence but also fostering cultural awareness and communication skills. Achieving biliteracy empowers students for academic and career opportunities, offering them the tools needed to thrive in an interconnected global environment. These achievements reflect both personal effort and a broader vision of global citizenship.

Students Pictured Earning Biliteracy Achievements

*Denotes Seal Of Biliteracy

First row: Taylor VanWinkle*, Kalleigh Gale*, Alondra Vizcarra, Jazmine Hernandez Tapia, Claire Taylor, Esmeralda Martinez, Payton Galli, Kaiden Goffrier, Itzel Mosso Ramos, Daniela Chavez*

2nd row: Govany Paredes, Alexis Sam Pedro, Jaime Radilla, Oswaldo Sanchez, Gabby Hampton, Kendyl DeBlieck*, Kaitlyn Carton, Abigail Wyant*

3rd row: London Pettis*, Sophie Raes, Savanna Walker, Ava Laue, Anna Chabenenko*, Hallee Murphy, Hunter Vancil*, Dontel Wommack, Alex Bartell*

4th row: Logan Peed, Jacob Belsky, Owen Laue, Griffin Hicks, Abram Hicks, Carver Neuleib, Gabriel Anderson, Alan Saucedo Vasquez, Jack Anderson

Missing from the photo: Daisy Cardoso, London Currie*, Trenton Edens, Itzel Rivas