114 Linden High School Seniors Earn 133 State Seals of Biliteracy
Students recognized for proficiency in 10 languages as district leaders celebrate multilingualism, cultural diversity, and global readiness
LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ -- Linden High School celebrated multilingual excellence on June 9 as 114 seniors earned a remarkable 133 New Jersey State Seals of Biliteracy, recognizing proficiency in 10 languages and reflecting the diversity that continues to define Linden Public Schools.
During the district's annual Seal of Biliteracy Recognition Ceremony, students were honored for demonstrating proficiency in English and at least one additional language. This year's recipients earned seals in Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, Filipino, Georgian, Haitian Creole, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. The distinction, awarded by the New Jersey Department of Education, is affixed to students' diplomas and transcripts as a formal recognition of multilingual achievement.
The ceremony drew district and community leaders, including Mayor Derek Armstead, Board of Education President Malaysia Thomas, Board member Brianna Armstead, Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins, Assistant Superintendent Annabell Louis, Linden High School Principal Charles Koonce, and Janet Miller, president of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, underscoring the importance of multilingualism within the Linden community.
For Danie Orelien, director of Multilingual Learners, World Languages and the Welcome Center, the significance extends far beyond language proficiency. "The Seal of Biliteracy is much more than an award," Orelien said. "It is an investment in our students, our workforce, and the future of our community."
Orelien said the honor reflects resilience, determination, and the ability to connect across cultures and backgrounds. She noted that many students speak multiple languages at home, while others arrived in Linden schools speaking little or no English before developing the skills necessary to earn one of New Jersey's highest recognitions for multilingual achievement.
More Than a Seal
Secondary Supervisor of ESL and World Languages Tania Miguelez said the award represents far more than language proficiency.
"The Seal of Biliteracy reflects not only academic achievement, but also perseverance, cultural understanding, and a commitment to lifelong learning," Miguelez said.
She noted that many students developed and maintained their multilingual abilities through a combination of home, community, and school experiences.
"Many of these students have nurtured their languages at home, in our communities, and in our classrooms, and tonight we recognize and celebrate that accomplishment," she said.
Mayor Armstead said the students' accomplishments reflect one of Linden's greatest strengths.
"As Mayor of Linden, I often say that our greatest asset is our people," Armstead said. "Tonight, we celebrate one of the many strengths that makes our community special—our diversity."
He praised families for preserving languages, traditions, and cultures while supporting their children's educational journeys, noting that multilingualism helps students build connections across cultures and create opportunities for themselves and others.
Going Beyond Two Languages
While earning a State Seal of Biliteracy is a significant accomplishment, several Linden seniors distinguished themselves by earning seals in multiple languages.
Of the 114 students recognized, 14 earned seals in more than one language, resulting in a total of 133 seals awarded. Several students earned seals in two languages beyond English, while Ricky Celine and Rhea St. Vil achieved the rare distinction of earning seals in French, Haitian Creole, and Spanish.
The achievement highlights both the linguistic diversity of Linden Public Schools and the growing value of multilingualism in higher education and the workforce.
Established by the New Jersey Department of Education in 2016, the State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who attain proficiency in English and at least one additional language by graduation. The designation helps colleges and employers identify multilingual candidates and underscores the importance of language learning, cultural understanding, and global competency.
Ready for a Global Future
Orelien said multilingualism has become an increasingly valuable skill in today's interconnected world. "It supports college readiness, career readiness, and global citizenship," she said. "It tells colleges, employers, and the world that these students possess valuable skills that will open doors and create opportunities throughout their lives."
The presence of educational, civic, and business leaders at the ceremony reinforced that message, highlighting the growing importance of multilingual communication in both the workforce and the broader community.
Throughout the evening, district leaders emphasized that the achievement belonged not only to the students, but also to the families and educators who helped them succeed.
Miguelez thanked parents for preserving languages and cultural traditions while encouraging academic excellence. She also recognized teachers and staff members for creating learning environments where students could grow into confident multilingual communicators.
Addressing students directly, Orelien delivered a message that captured the spirit of the evening.
"The languages you speak are not obstacles to overcome, they are strengths to embrace," she said. "They connect you to your families, your heritage, your community, and an increasingly global world."
Miguelez closed with a reminder that the students' multilingual abilities will continue to serve them long after graduation. "Your commitment to language learning has prepared you to be leaders in an increasingly global society," she said.