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Since 2017, BCCS has provided the Bilingual Seals Test* to at least one student. And this year, we celebrate 15 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.

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. It is so 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, Oct. 2, 2025 at Brooklyn Center Elementary. Student performances and dancing will start at 5:30 p.m. with games and dinner at 6:30 p.m. 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)

MEET OUR STUDENTS

Kayla Calles Leiva, Grade 12

“I want the community to know that you should always be proud of who you are and always be proud to represent yourself and your culture. Passing the Bilingual Seals Test makes me proud of my culture and language!”

Yeismarie Chaparro Ruiz, Grade 11

“Passing this test really means a lot to me because it proves to myself that I can speak both English and Spanish really well!”

Allison Quevedo Sadivar, Grade 11

“Passing the Bilingual Seals Test fells really good and it means a lot to me!”

Melyssa Gutierrez Castelan, Grade 11

“I worked so hard to achieve this so passing the Bilingual Seals Test makes me feel really proud.”

Fabian Limas Vargas, Grade 11

“By passing this test, I feel like I’m ready and able to speak my home and family’s language. I want the community to know that learning one’s own culture and language is the best feeling since you get more connections and fully understand where you come from.”

Gabriel Arias Argueta, Grade 11

“To me, passing this test was very important. It proves both to myself and my community that I have and always will have my first tongue and that there is no distance too great that can separate me from my heritage.”

Evelyn Rojas Pirin, Grade 11

“Passing the Bilingual Seals Test means a lot to me because most importantly passing will give me more opportunities that will open up through my schooling and into my future career.”

Aislinn Arroyo Clara, Grade 11

“Passing this test means that I’m officially bilingual and I have much more to look forward to in the future. I’m ecstatic that I passed this test – it makes me feel more connected to my culture and background.”

Juan Diego Munoz Lopez, Grade 12

“Being able to put ‘certified bilingual’ on my resume for future jobs and college makes me really excited. I want the community to know that it means a lot to be able to pass this test and I hope to continue with my Spanish onwards in life after senior year."

Jennifer Narvaez Sanisaca, Grade 12

“I am grateful to my parents for teaching me another language! Knowing another language makes me proud and excited for the opportunities it opens.”

Keiry Herrera Lima, Grade 11

“This opportunity opens myself up to better opportunities in the future. I want people to know that you shouldn’t second guess yourself and that you can do anything when you should believe in yourself."

Nayeli Sanchez Hidalgo, Grade 11

“Passing the test helps me gain bigger opportunities in my future. Also, passing this test makes me more confident in my Spanish!”

Kamila Griffith, Grade 11

“To me, passing this test is important to get into a good college! I would like the community to know that you have to work hard for what you want even if you think you could do it easily.”

Not Pictured: Ariel Alberto Hernandez & Evelyn Alvarado Aguero