255 students from seven High Schools received the State Seal of Biliteracy from Porterville Unified School District Administrators and Board members in a wonderful ceremony on Monday at the Buck Shaffer Theater at the Porterville Memorial Auditorium.
Before the ceremony the Ozomatli Folklorico Dance group gave a spectacular performance of several traditional Hispanic dances that delighted the huge audience of parents, grandparents, family and friends of the students.
During the ceremony, each speech was translated into Spanish by an administrator or language teacher for the Spanish speaking audience.
Gina Wise, District Bilingual ELL Resource Coordinator, welcomed everyone and spoke about the Seal of Biliteracy, and introduced distinguished guests; PUSD Superintendent Nate Nelson, Assistant Superintendent Martha Stuemky, and PUSD Board Member Pete Lara, Jr.
The colors were presented by cadets from Porterville Military Academy, and the pledge of allegiance was led by cadet Jehily Landeros.
Wise explained the California State Seal of Biliteracy, first awarded in 2012, recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and in one or more additional languages. It celebrates the value of bilingualism and prepares students for the demands of the global economy.
“Tonight, our recipients will receive both PUSD and Tulare County recognition certificates. Graduates, please wear your PUSD medals and Tulare County Silver cords proudly at your respective graduation ceremonies,” Wise said.
“The district is proud to lead Tulare County in awarding the most State Seals of Biliteracy in the county. Our commitment to promoting bilingualism is evident through our robust dual immersion programs and dynamic world language classrooms. Through these efforts, we create opportunities, change lives, and shape the workforce of tomorrow, one that is ready to meet the challenges of an interconnected world.
“Tonight, we are here to honor the exceptional achievements of our students.
“Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance have brought them to this moment. We also recognize and deeply appreciate the teachers, staff, and families whose support and encouragement have been vital to their success.
“We are extremely proud of all our honorees.
“This evening is a celebration of your talents, your commitment to excellence, and your role in strengthening our multilingual community. Congratulations to each of you.”
Lara congratulated all the students on their achievements, saying Biliteracy isn't new to California, and Spanish was recognized as a state language in the constitution when California was six different states, well before Sacramento became the state capital in 1949. Because of their dual language proficiency students will be better able to navigate cultural and linguistic, and economic diversity in a wider world, Lara said.
He said many of the students have overcome significant personal or academic challenges along the way, yet through hard work and resilience they have achieved personal success. He congratulated them and wished them all well on their educational journey and future.
When all of the students from Butterfield Charter School, Granite Hills High School, Harmony Magnet Academy, Strathmore High School, Monache High School, Porterville Military Academy, and Porterville High School were given their certificates and medals by their school Principals, Wise, and the students shook hands and were given warm hugs and congratulations by their teachers, counselors and PUSD administrators.
At the end of the ceremony tokens of appreciation were given to the District Foreign Language Teachers to much applause.
It was a lovely ceremony, and families and friends were all so proud of the students' accomplishments. A PUSD fiesta was held where the District Mariachi Club entertained students, their families and guests in the Porterville auditorium courtyard and refreshments of chocolate cake, delicious Mexican Ice Cream bars, lemonade and ice tea were available. A special ending to a wonderful evening.
Wise thanked everyone who made the celebration possible, the counselors, the Ozomatli Folklorico Dancers, the Mariachi Club and all of the contributors.