Since 2017, BCCS has provided the Bilingual Seals Test* to at least one student, and this year, we celebrate nine students who took and passed the test!

By passing this test, students receive credits toward their high school graduation, a diploma with a special seal, and recognition at their Commencement Ceremony. Those who pass this test during their 10th, 11th, or 12th grade can also apply to receive two to four college credits. In addition to these accolades, students are able to put on their resume that they are “certified bilingual” - a great way to differentiate them from prospective employers.

Students who also take Spanish II during high school have the opportunity to take this test. If you are a student interested in taking this test, please reach out to your guidance counselor.

When asked what they want the community to know about this exciting accomplishment, our students shared how it impacts not only themselves but their culture too. 

• “I would encourage people to take this test because it will open doors for you,” said Josseline Garcia Sanchez.

• “By being a part of the hispanic community with parents who sacrificed things to bring you to a better future, taking this test can help open doors and provide you new opportunities,” Jasmine Deluna shared. 

• “I want the community to know that anything is possible if you dedicate yourself to it,”  said Katherine Sarmiento Vazquez.

BCCS celebrates these students and their amazing accomplishments! “We are so proud of each and every student and their accomplishment through the Bilingual Seals test. These students are some of our top students at BC and so it is exciting to recognize them for not only being great students but also recognizing every part of themselves and what they bring to BC everyday,” said Joe Kane, BCS Guidance Counselor. 

BCCS will highlight these students at our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Thursday, October 3, 2024 in the BCE Gym. Student performances and dancing will start at 5:30pm with games and dinner at 6:30pm. All are welcome to come learn about Hispanic cultures through playing and celebrating our BCCS students!

*Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Seals were legislated in the Learning English for Academic Proficiency and Success (LEAPS) Act in 2014. Minnesota public school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools may award Minnesota bilingual and multilingual seals to high school students upon graduation who have demonstrated the required levels of language proficiency through assessment in languages other than English, including American Sign Language (ASL) and Indigenous American Indian languages. The required proficiency levels are ACTFL Advanced Low for a Platinum Seal; ACTFL Intermediate High for a Gold Seal in all of the four modalities—listening, reading, speaking and writing. (Minnesota Department of Education)

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Meet Our Students

• Josseline Garcia Sanchez

  • Grade: 11

  • Extracurricular Activities / Hobbies: Volleyball

  • Quotes: “Finding out I passed made me really happy! It made me proud of myself that I am working hard which is something my mom has always helped me with. The sacrifices my family has made for me and all the effort that they have put into getting me to where I am today and that I am able to take these opportunities has made me really proud. 

• Katherine Sarmiento Vazquez

  • Grade: 11

  • Extracurricular Activities / Hobbies: Played soccer through 10th grade

  • Quotes: “This is going to open up a lot of doors for me knowing that I speak two languages and it will help a lot of people who don’t speak English. To represent our culture and knowing that I am a bilingual person makes me feel really happy! 

• Litzi Clara Lopez

  • Grade: 11

  • Extracurricular Activities / Hobbies: Enjoys baking

  • Quotes: “Speaking two languages is something that is very special to me coming from a hispanic household. I think my parents feel really proud of how much work I put into passing [the test]. It can really help a lot of people to know two languages. 

• Jesus Vergara-Lopez

  • Grade: 11

  • Extracurricular Activities / Hobbies: Working after school in construction

  • Quotes: “It’s important to me because it's a big opportunity and [passing the test will now] open a lot of doors for me in the future!”

• William De Luna Salazar

  • Grade: 11

  • Extracurricular Activities / Hobbies: Tennis

  • Quotes: “It means a lot to me because it helps me realize I am taking a part of my culture with me as I move into my future.”

• Cristian Mejia Aguilar

  • Grade: 12

  • Extracurricular Activities / Hobbies: Reading, soccer, and enjoys spending time with family

  • Quotes: “It means a lot to me because it is my last year as a senior and it will open up a lot of paths for me. My family is a Latina family so I am proud. This certification means a lot for the hispanic community – it feels great to support each other and see how this community can help others learn about our culture.”

• Jasmine Deluna

  • Grade: 11

  • Extracurricular Activities / Hobbies: Doing nail art

  • Quotes: “It was important to me [to take this test] because it matters to me that I can represent my culture. As a person with hispanic parents who crossed the border to give us a better future, it is important to me to be able to speak Spanish and help other people who do not speak English. 

• Diego Moran Lopez

  • Grade: 12

  • Extracurricular Activities / Hobbies: Enjoys spending time on his phone

  • Quotes: “[Passing this test] makes me feel good!”

• Josselin Montoya Hernandez

  • Grade: 11

  • Extracurricular Activities / Hobbies: Soccer

  • Quotes: “It's important to me because I’ve been in this country for many years now and it's good to know that I still have my Spanish side and a connection to my culture.