This year, we are excited to recognize 16 seniors who have earned the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy, along with 11 seniors who have received the Commendation Toward Biliteracy. These distinctions highlight our scholars’ exceptional proficiency in English and additional languages, while also reflecting our district’s commitment to academic excellence and the vibrant diversity of our learning community.

The languages represented among this year’s honorees include Arabic, Dari, French, German, Karen, Spanish, and Swahili. These achievements celebrate far more than language ability – they represent cultural awareness, global perspective, and readiness for success in an increasingly interconnected world. For educators and administrators, these recognitions provide a framework to support multilingual students and promote equity in language education.

We celebrate each of these scholars for their hard work, perseverance, and accomplishment!

Earning the Seal of Biliteracy and Commendation Towards Biliteracy in Illinois

The State of Illinois recognizes and celebrates students’ proficiency in multiple languages through two distinguished honors: the Seal of Biliteracy and the Commendation Toward Biliteracy. These awards highlight the importance of language learning and honor the essential skill of biliteracy in an increasingly diverse and global society.

The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to scholars who demonstrate high levels of proficiency in English and at least one other language, with this accomplishment noted on both their diploma and transcript. The Commendation Toward Biliteracy recognizes scholars who have shown meaningful progress toward biliteracy and encourages them to continue strengthening their language skills.

Seal of Biliteracy

This distinction is noted on both the student’s diploma and transcript, signaling their bilingual abilities to colleges and future employers. In addition, RIMSD students receive a medal to wear during their high school graduation ceremony, proudly recognizing this achievement at commencement.

Earning the Seal of Biliteracy

Congrats to these incredible seniors who earned their Seal of Biliteracy:

Arabic: Rawan Shoukry

Dari: Aimal Rahmani

Spanish: Alexandra Alva, Thalia Camacho, Christopher Castaneda, Matteo Gomez, and Ximena Guerrero

Swahili: Martha Abuke, Fatuma Keya, and Maese Shukuru

Commendation Towards Biliteracy

The Commendation Toward Biliteracy is designed to recognize students who have demonstrated meaningful progress in developing biliteracy skills but who may not yet meet the full requirements for the Seal of Biliteracy.

To earn this recognition, students complete requirements similar to those of the Seal of Biliteracy, with the key difference being a slightly reduced level of proficiency in the second language.

This commendation encourages continued growth in language learning and helps students better understand the long-term value and benefits of becoming biliterate.

Congrats to these incredible seniors who earned their Commendation Towards Biliteracy:

French: Annabelle Avegnon, Asta Kizungu, and Thereza Mustafa

German: Braden Gilliland, Trevor Hamburg, Andrew Niemi, and Sell Lei

Spanish: Nelson Htoo, Aaron Marfetan, Paloma Tapia Montoya, Yazmin Tinoco, Hayden S. Vance, and Averi Vroman

Swahili: Agelix (Alex) Leon, Ramadhan Sango, and Chukiwa Sudi

Benefits and Impact

Both the Seal of Biliteracy and the Commendation Toward Biliteracy help cultivate a learning environment that values linguistic diversity and multilingualism. These recognitions empower students by affirming their language skills, promoting cultural understanding, and strengthening college and career readiness.