On Friday, May 16, Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School honored fourteen members of the Class of 2025 with the prestigious Ohio Seal of Biliteracy during a special recognition ceremony.
The following graduates received this honor: Michelle Montoya Sanchez, Tiffany Gonzales Anastacio, Jennifer De La Cruz, Clarissa Niebrugge Andreu, Jackeline Minchala, Drew Hoskins, Brythany Marin Unzueta, Nicolle Micolta Angulo, Leslie Perez-Soria, Celeste Acuna, Daniel Alvarez, Erik Tello, Joseph Guevara Murcia, and Jorge Herrera Tellez.
The Seal of Biliteracy honors graduating seniors who demonstrate high proficiency levels in English and at least one other language. According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, students must meet both of the following criteria to earn this distinction: earn a score of proficient or higher on an approved English language assessment and earn a score of Intermediate High or higher on an approved world language assessment within 15 months prior to graduation.
Thirteen of the honored students have been part of CJ’s EL program, which Krystal Rosa, English Learner (EL) Services Coordinator, helped create to meet the needs of English language learners. The goal was to support the EL students in mastering English while reaching their academic potential. Since its inception, the program has experienced remarkable growth, more than doubling in size since 2021, reflecting CJ’s commitment to meeting the needs of English language learners.
“This might be one of the most meaningful accomplishments our multilingual students achieve,” stated Rosa. “It highlights their ability to think and communicate in two languages while navigating and celebrating two cultures, making them truly unique and powerful.”
“We have known for years that our EL teachers have been making big impacts on our students,” said Greg Mueller, Chaminade Julienne’s principal. “This year has been extra special to see so many students earn the state biliteracy seal. I am so proud of these students and their accomplishments.”
Hoskins, a non-Hispanic student, earned the Seal by demonstrating proficiency earned the Seal from being proficient in Spanish from taking classes. Like all recipients, Hispanic and non-Hispanic, she worked diligently to achieve this distinction.
“Drew’s mastering of Spanish would not have been possible without Libby Harbaugh, CJ’s language department chair,” said Rosa. “Libby’s commitment to teaching the structure and richness of the Spanish language was instrumental in preparing Drew and the other students for this accomplishment.”
At the ceremony, students received their Proficiency Assessment certificates and pins, with family, friends, and CJ’s eagle mascot in attendance. The honorees proudly wore the pin at graduation, and their Chaminade Julienne diplomas have an official seal on them.
“This milestone reflects the incredible things our students can accomplish when their identities are honored and their efforts are nurtured through teacher collaboration,” said Rosa. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the families of these students for raising and encouraging them to embrace bilingualism, and we proudly celebrate each of them for sharing their cultural heritage and linguistic talents with the CJ community.”