More Than 100 students Honored During Civic, Biliteracy Ceremonies

North Babylon School District held a recognition ceremony on June 17 to celebrate the accomplishments of its seniors who received the Seal of Civic Readiness and the Seal of Biliteracy. This year, 126 students were honored with the Seal of Civic Readiness and 11 students were presented with the Seal of Biliteracy. 
    Guests gathered in the cafeteria prior to the ceremony to view some of the civics projects completed this year. Eliot Lewin, coordinator of social studies and social sciences, welcomed administrators, board of education members, teachers, students and families. “More than just an academic milestone, the seal reflects students using their voices to engage with real-world issues and drive meaningful changes,” he said. Eligibility is based on social studies grades and exams, Regents exam scores and a civic action project completed in government class. 
“In these projects, students identified meaningful issues, conducted research, examined policies, collaborated with peers, and proposed solutions,” Lewin added. “They raised awareness, advocated for change, and presented their work to a panel of teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors.” Each student was called to the stage to receive their cord to wear during the graduation ceremony. 
Nicholas Pei, coordinator of ENL, Dual and World Languages, presented the candidates for the Seal of Biliteracy. Students who apply and meet all the criteria will have the Seal of Biliteracy affixed to their high school diploma and receive a medal to wear at graduation. “These graduates will enter higher education or the workforce with a skill set that affirms the value of diversity in a multilingual society,” Pei said. 
Congratulations to the following students: Jocelaine Demosthenes, Zara Dutt, J-Lene Fernandez, Susana Giraldo Corrales, Joseph Licata, Melany Machuca Garcia, Maria Martinez Perez, Leyla Petit, Julia Pianko, Melany Santana Arias and John Paul Velarde.