In a momentous celebration blending academic excellence with civic pride, 𝟗𝟖 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 and, for the first time, the 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲. The ceremony, held June 18 at the John T. Gregorio Recreation Center, marked a historic milestone for the district.
The event, hosted by the district’s 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, brought together city officials, business leaders, educators, families, and staff from across the district. The evening honored not just a record number of recipients, but a groundbreaking achievement: 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲, making this the largest cohort in Linden’s history to do so.
𝐀 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Derek Armstead Mayor of Linden, who presented official proclamations to the honorees, said:
“When I learned of this incredible achievement, I knew it warranted a citywide celebration. Tonight, we honor your dedication, your heritage, and your future potential. Language is power, and each of you has shown just how powerful you truly are.”
“The New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other world language,” explained 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧, 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬. “But some of our students went even further, earning the Seal of Biliteracy in not just one, but two additional world languages.”
“In today’s interconnected world, the Global Seal of Biliteracy opens even more doors—academic, professional, and cultural, for our students,” she added. “This recognition becomes a permanent part of their high school transcript and sends a powerful message to colleges and employers: these students are prepared to thrive and lead in a global society.”
𝗔 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲
The 98 honorees demonstrated proficiency in English and one or more of the following languages: Spanish (65), French (8), Haitian Creole (9), Polish (5), Ukrainian (3), Portuguese (2), Russian (1), and others who studied Italian and Arabic.
“These students didn’t just pass an assessment,” said Orelien. “They showed us what it means to be culturally aware, globally minded, and intellectually prepared for a future without borders.”
“We are one of the few districts in New Jersey offering the Global Seal,” Director Orelien added. “Because our mission isn’t just to graduate students—we want to launch global citizens.”
Civic Leaders Applaud Student Success
Joining Mayor Armstead in presenting the proclamations were Council President Michele Yamakaitis and 2nd Ward Councilman Barry E. Javick, who applauded the students for their discipline, determination, and ability to connect across cultures.