LEAD Public Schools

LEAD Public Schools is proud to announce that 28 students across its high schools earned the Volunteer State Seal of Biliteracy Awards for demonstrating proficiency and excellence in both English and another language.  

High school students have the opportunity to earn special recognition for their language skills through two awards: the Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Bilingualism. 

The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating seniors who demonstrate proficiency in both English and another world language at an Intermediate-Mid level or higher across all language domains—reading, writing, listening, and speaking. 

The Seal of Bilingualism, on the other hand, honors students who reach proficiency specifically in the speaking and listening domains of a world language. This award provides a meaningful way to recognize heritage speakers.

“Acknowledging biliteracy in schools is not just about language; it’s about affirming identity, advancing equity and inclusion, and strengthening connections between schools and families,” said Rachel Roeschen, Director of English Language Learners at LEAD Public Schools. “This award celebrates students who have high proficiency in both English and their home language. By recognizing the importance of their home language and cultural identities, it instills a deep sense of belonging and empowerment within these students.”

This group of LEAD students earned the award in several different languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Zomi, and Lao.

“I think this honor recognizes how impressive and highly capable these students are for knowing and learning two languages,” said Roeschen.

Congratulations to each of our award recipients listed below!

LEAD Academy

• Seal of Biliteracy
  • Spanish
    • Nicole Alvarado
    • Joscelyn Avila Turcios
    • Katherine Benito-Espana
    • Daysi Delgado Perez
    • Achilles Guevara
    • Elida Lemus Mejia
    • Angela Loredo Garcia
    • Carlos Najar Caceres
    • Brayan Ortuno-Bahena
    • Josue Rivas
    • Irma Taperia Raymundo
    • Karina Vazquez-Ayala

LEAD Southeast High

• Seal of Biliteracy
  • Arabic
    • Haidar Al Khafaji
    • Lina Salama
  • Spanish
    • Virginia Aranda
    • Kristie Casillas
    • Lizbeth Compean
    • Emily Cruz
    • Alan Peter Garcia
    • Juan Hernandez Gonzalez
    • Scarlett Mendoza-Valdivia
    • Emely Nabor Lopez
    • Amelia Ocampo Damaso
    • Maria Terrones Garcia
    • Fabiana Valle
    • Jennifer Vargas Villa
  • Zomi
    • Cing Lun

• Seal of Bilingualism
  • Lao
    • Jordan Saenboutarath