By Carol Li and Katie Huang
319 students were honored at Vestavia Hills High School’s annual Seal of Biliteracy Awards and World Language Honor Society Induction Ceremony on Thursday, January 19th. Parents and administrators watched as students received certificates and medals for their dedication to a language, whether it be Spanish, French, German, Latin, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese. or Russian.
The awards ceremony began with recognizing 116 Seal of Biliteracy recipients. The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to senior students who have attained proficiency in English and at least one other language. Along with English, eight languages—Spanish, French, German, Latin, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian—were represented. In order to achieve the Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate proficiency in English and another language through scores on tests like the ACT (for English) and typically the STAMP or the ALIRA test (for their chosen language).
Mrs. Garrison, one of VHHS’s Spanish teachers and the head of the World Language Department, explains the benefits behind the Seal of Biliteracy: “The Seal of Biliteracy is a journey, not an end. Not only affirming their language journey, it gives them the opportunity to take it to the workplace or to their post-secondary education at the college or university level. Once a student gets the Global Seal [of Biliteracy], which is one of the main things we offer, they can continue after high school by assessing and leveling up. Through the Global Seal, it’s a credential that follows them; it can be put on resumes or LinkedIns, as well as given to employers in a job interview.”
203 students were also inducted into five world language honor societies: German, Spanish, French, Latin, and American Sign Language (ASL). To be eligible for induction into a language honor society, students must have a minimum of 3 semester A’s and 1 semester B for level 3 students or a minimum of 4 semester A’s and 2 semester B’s for level 4 students; be in a level 3 or higher language class; and not have any Class II or above offense on their record.
Each language honor society’s inductions aside from ASL were led by their officers. The inductions began with German Honor Society President John Michael Chandash, Vice President Maribel Johnson, and Secretary Riley Newsome, welcoming 26 new members. Afterwards, these members also each received a bag of Haribo gummy bears, a German invention.
Latin Honor Society officers, which include President Carter Measel, Vice President Jamie Casey, Secretary Nancy Chen, and Treasurer Erin Visser, inducted 6 new members.
ASL teachers Mrs. Murray and Mrs. O’Daniel inducted 8 new members into the ASL Honor Society. Because the ASL course begins in sophomore year, all new members are seniors. The new ASL Honor Society officers include Co-Presidents Ray Ding and Sophia Lindsay, Secretary RyleyAnn Graham, Treasurer Haley Norris, and Events Coordinator Caroline Kopecky.
President Rishab Samant, Vice President Hunter Carroll, Secretary Hannah Mills, and Treasurer Bowen Bishop welcomed 136 new members to the Spanish Honor Society, the largest of the world languages.
Finally, the French Officers: President Caroline Randall, Vice President Fatima Malik, Secretary Carol Li, Party Manager Alex Rountree, and Treasurer Ansley Meadows inducted 27 members into the French Honor Society. Mrs. Harlan, one of the VHHS French teachers, explains the traditions she likes to weave into this induction ceremony: “We like to celebrate everything in French class with food, and it seemed normal to incorporate the traditional French baguette and welcome the new members with the baguette. It's fun for them to eat the baguette throughout the day.”
Each language honor society plans their own activities throughout the year. These include collaborating with middle school language classes and volunteering in the community. For example, Mrs. Murray mentions that the ASL Honor Society has helped interpret for a Christmas program at a hearing church as well as making cookies with Deaf, hearing, and CODA (children of Deaf Adults) children.
Congratulations to the students on their achievements! Herzlichen Glückwunsch! Félicitations! Gratulationes! Felicidades!
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