Language is an Asset—and These Students Prove It
For the third year, Language Testing International® (LTI) has proudly awarded the Seal of Biliteracy Achievement Scholarship to high school students who not only achieved their state Seal of Biliteracy but also demonstrated a clear and compelling understanding of what it means to be multilingual.
The 2025 theme was “Language Is an Asset.” In the selection process, we looked at how students talked about language as an asset, not just in theory, but in practice; how they talk about what it means to possess this asset, how they have used it, and how they plan to use it in the future. Their submissions offered personal insights into how multilingualism empowers them to connect across cultures, serve others, and expand their academic and professional horizons.
The students selected this year stood out for the clarity of their vision, the depth of their experiences, and their passion for using language to make a difference. From helping classmates overcome barriers to advocating for families in medical settings, their stories reflect the true power of multilingualism.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Seal of Biliteracy Achievement Scholarship. Each one exemplifies the values behind this award.
Hope Beshears, Ohio State School for the Blind (English, Spanish & Spanish Braille)
Hope exemplifies how language can be a powerful bridge across multiple barriers. As a blind student, she not only learned Spanish, but also mastered Spanish Braille, demonstrating exceptional determination and adaptability. Living in a rural area with a small Hispanic population, Hope uses her Spanish skills to communicate meaningfully and inclusively. Her future goals, whether as a barista, teacher, or performer, all reflect her belief in bilingualism as a competitive asset and human connection tool. Her teacher, Mr. Stricklen, credits her with mentoring other students, leading cultural events, and expanding language access for peers with disabilities. Hope’s story is a testament to the transformative power of language and resilience.
Zahir Amiri, Holland High School (English, Pashto, Pashai, Persian)
Zahir’s journey speaks to the life-saving and life-shaping role of multilingualism. A speaker of four languages—Pashto, Pashai, Persian, and English—Zahir became the linguistic lifeline for his family during their emergency evacuation from Afghanistan. In refugee camps and in their new community in Michigan, Zahir served as translator, advocate, and leader, helping not only his own family but many others to navigate complex systems. His commitment to using language for the greater good continues in his tutoring, translation work, and aspirations to support his family and pursue college. His teacher, Ms. Bradner, calls him a quiet yet powerful leader, and a truly deserving candidate for this award.
Ariana Bushey, Waltham High School (English, Portuguese, French)
Ariana’s story is rooted in service, family, and the deep empathy that comes from being multilingual. Raised speaking Portuguese, she became her grandmother’s translator at just four years old. Her love of language expanded to include French, where she excelled and earned the Seal of Biliteracy, in addition to earning distinction in Portuguese. Ariana plans to pursue a career in medicine and use her linguistic abilities to ensure that patients from underserved communities feel secure and understood, just as she once helped her grandmother navigate a confusing system. Her teacher, Vanessa Connors, praises her eloquence, dedication, and multilingual versatility. Ariana embodies the heart and purpose of this scholarship.
Malik Fassassi, Waltham High School (English, French)
For Malik, language is both a personal mission and a public service. A heritage speaker of French, Malik worked tirelessly to refine his academic language skills, even choosing to be a teaching assistant after an initial disappointment with his proficiency score. His perseverance paid off, and he earned his Seal of Biliteracy while lifting up his peers in the classroom. Malik aspires to minor in French at UMass Amherst, join a Francophone student society, and even pursue graduate studies in Switzerland. He wants to expand language access and opportunities for others and sees his biliteracy as the key to opening doors for himself and those around him. His teacher, Vanessa Connors, praised Malik for his resilience in the face of difficulties.
Hikari Shiga, Floyd Central High School (English, Japanese)
Hikari has lived a lifelong commitment to heritage, community, and bridging cultures. A heritage Japanese speaker raised in the U.S., he not only maintained his Japanese through years of Saturday school, but he also brought Japanese culture into his school community by founding a club and organizing events like a thousand-paper crane fundraiser. His Seal of Biliteracy is a celebration of identity and connection. Hikari also excels in Spanish and intends to continue his language journey through college clubs, study abroad, and cross-cultural friendships. His teacher, Heather Bradley, describes him as an inspiring and generous student who builds cultural bridges wherever he goes.
Madison Butts, Charter School of Wilmington (English, Spanish)
Madison views language as a powerful connector across generations and cultures. Coming from a Puerto Rican family, she has reclaimed Spanish as a way to connect with her heritage and her grandparents. Her reflections reveal a deep understanding of how language preserves identity, fosters empathy, and opens new opportunities. Madison embraces the challenge of language learning and respects those who take the same journey. Her teacher, Justin Greenberg, calls her a leader and an insightful, thoughtful learner who brings a global lens to her academic and personal life. Madison uses language not just to communicate, but to connect, lead, and grow.
Aspen Lee, Lone Peak High School (English, Spanish)
Aspen’s story is one of belonging, leadership, and impact. In a community where she was an outsider, she found home and purpose through language learning. Her dedication to Spanish inspired her to co-create a peer program supporting English learners in her school, helping students academically and culturally. Aspen personally mentored a new student from Colombia, helping her improve her grades and confidence. Her teacher, Misha Peay, notes that Aspen turned her own outsider experience into a mission of inclusion and service. Aspen’s Seal of Biliteracy is not just a credential; it’s a symbol of her commitment to use language to build bridges and uplift others.
Renata Galan Chongo, Harin Valley Academy (English, Spanish)
Renata sees her biliteracy as both a personal legacy and a professional mission. Fluent in English and Spanish, she plans to enter the medical field and serve as a voice for Spanish-speaking patients, especially for mothers navigating care for their children. Her vision is deeply rooted in lived experience, watching her own mother struggle with language barriers during medical appointments. Her teacher, Kaitlyn Gaskins, describes her as the student who always steps up to help others, whether it’s new students, adult learners, or anyone in need of connection. Renata embodies the power of biliteracy to heal, empower, and advocate.
