Sandy Creek Central School District • News • Three Sandy Creek students earn New York State Seal of Biliteracy • 5/29/2025

Three Sandy Creek students earn New York State Seal of Biliteracy

May 29th, 2025 by Jessica Sorell

SCCS students who earned the NYSSB, from left to right: Sophie Harris, Breanne Smith and Madison Darling.

Sandy Creek Central School is proud to announce that three students, Sophie Harris, Breanne Smith and Madison Darling, have earned the prestigious New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB). This recognition is awarded to high school students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language.

Now in its fifth year at Sandy Creek, the Seal of Biliteracy program is led by Spanish teacher Kristin Vasquez, who supports students through a rigorous, year-long process of research, language development and presentation.

While there are several pathways to achieving the Seal, each of this years candidates demonstrated their Spanish proficiency by completing advanced ELA coursework and an in-depth research project in Spanish.

Students chose meaningful topics they were passionate about and presented their final projects at CiTi BOCES to a panel of judges, who evaluated their linguistic and academic achievement. Breanne explored the cultural traditions of Da de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Madison researched the complex and urgent issue of femicide in Latin America, and Sophie examined the influence and history of Latin American art.

All three students successfully met the standards and have earned the NYSSB designation, which includes a Seal on their diplomas and a medal from the New York State Education Department to be worn at graduation.

I am extremely proud of Bree, Maddy and Sophie, said Vasquez. It has been an honor to witness their growth as language learners. This accomplishment is not only impressive; it will be a meaningful asset in their future education, travels and careers.

The NYSSB recognizes the value of bilingualism and biliteracy in todays global society, encouraging students to maintain and develop their language skills. For more information on the Seal and its requirements, visit the New York State Seal of Biliteracy website: https://www.nysed.gov/world-languages/new-york-state-seal-biliteracy-nyssb