Seal of Biliteracy

Tracy Espinoza, Junee Kim, Olivia Girard, Robert Molina, and Luis Posada Palacios • December 11, 2023 • 54 Views

WMHS students test for The Seal of Biliteracy.

On Wednesday, November 15, 113 Watkins Mill High School students tested for The Seal of Biliteracy. A certificate demonstrating proficiency in two or more languages is awarded to those who pass.

“The seal is a beacon to future employers, college, and university admissions offices [demonstrating] the candidate is bilingual, biliterate and brings a certain sense of cultural awareness,” world language resource coordinator Elisha Ruiz said.

Out of the 40+ languages offered, students tested from the following: Spanish, French, Filipino, Mandarin, Amharic, Urdu, Russian, and Portuguese.

“As a Wolverine, as well as an International Baccalaureate kid, [learning languages] means connecting with peers in my school,” junior Lujala Ranjit said. “We have such a great blend of ethnicities and cultures at Watkins Mill, so learning other languages is important to me.”

All juniors and seniors are eligible to test. Seniors test for free, while juniors pay a fee of $21. Students can register for the second round of testing on January 24 by scanning a QR code in the building or going to room D103 for further information. Upon registration, students are sent a mock test to aid in preparation.

“[The certificate will help] a lot because [as a nail technician], I have a bunch of Spanish-speaking clients, [so demonstrating I] know Spanish and English can [open doors for] a lot of [diverse] clients,” senior Bridgette Garza said.

If you decide to take the test and want to be prepared for test day, French teacher Ernest Kamba says the best way to study is to ask your teacher for practice activities. They can correct your mistakes and ensure you are ready for test day.

“I recommend everyone take the exam in 11th grade because if you don’t do well, you can retake it next year and share your score with your teacher. [Doing this] not only [helps if you plan to] retake the exam in your senior year, but also in preparing for [any language] IB exam,” junior Olivia Ormsby said.

The best way to succeed at something is by working hard toward it, practicing, and believing in yourself.

“I would totally take the seal of biliteracy. Dedication to a language shows commitment and it’s just cool to be multilingual anywhere you go,” principal Vilma Najera said.

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About the Contributors

Tracy Espinoza, Opinion Managing Editor

Tracy is an IB Diploma Program junior at Watkins Mill High School. She Chairs the BIPOC MOCO Green New Deal Internship and is the Vice President of the MOCO-based organizations Students F.A.I.R. and Young People for Progress. She’s a 2024 Montgomery County Fitzgerald Scholar and focuses on uplifting student voices and expanding political education. After high school, she plans on attending a 4-year university where she will pursue the legal field.

Junee Kim, News Managing Editor

Junee is a junior in the IB Diploma Program at Watkins Mill High School. As president of school based clubs such as the Minority Scholars Program, Class council, and the countywide organization Young People for Progress, she believes in student advocacy. Her hobbies include traditional Korean dancing and drumming and playing the flute. She plans on attending a 4-year university to pursue a career in law.

Olivia Girard, Sports Photographer

Olivia is a junior in the IB Diploma Program at Watkins Mill High School. She is a member of the girls basketball team and the girls lacrosse team. She is a sports photographer for The Current at WM. In her free time, Olivia loves to play sports, specifically lacrosse, and also loves to watch movies and listen to music.

Obehi Eromosele, Editor-in-Chief

Obehi is an International Baccalaureate Career Program senior at Watkins Mill High School and Co-Editor-in-Chief for The Current. Obehi loves reading books, spending time with friends and family, watching television, and listening to variations of music. She is the WM Minds Matter club president and Vice President of the Minority Scholars Program (MSP). Obehi is also a co-captain and plays defense on her Varsity field hockey team. She plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a degree in finance/business.