The LTI Seal of Biliteracy Achievement Scholarship celebrates students who have achieved the Seal in their state and stand out for their excellence in biliteracy. LTI received over 130 submissions – congratulations to all the students and teachers who made scholarship submissions this year. It’s exciting to hear your stories and share in your passion for language learning!
Here are the recipients of the 2024 LTI Seal of Biliteracy Achievement Scholarship:
First Place: Thomas Wills (English, Spanish)
Cicero-North Syracuse High School, New York
“To be multilingual is not only to exist in two worlds, but to be one of the bridges that connects them together.”
Thomas Wills is the recipient of this year’s LTI Seal of Biliteracy Scholarship Award, thanks to his exceptional linguistic abilities and remarkable character as highlighted by his teacher, Mary Murdoch, and his own compelling submission video. His teacher commended Thomas for his impeccable language skills, drive to engage in Spanish conversations, and his leadership in initiating a school lunch rescue program that has expanded beyond their district. In her video, she said: “I’ve been teaching here for about 25 years and Thomas is at the very top of students not only for aptitude but for character, and he embodies everything that I believe that the Seal of Biliteracy scholarship would want, hope, and desire.” Thomas, a Presidential Scholar, embodies the values of the Seal of Biliteracy through his commitment to cultural understanding and language proficiency. In his video, Thomas eloquently expressed his passion for bridging cultural gaps and leveraging multilingualism to foster global connections. His dedication to using his Spanish and English skills to collaborate internationally and address global challenges demonstrates his readiness to make a significant impact. Thomas’s achievements and aspirations exemplify the spirit of the Seal of Biliteracy, making him a deserving winner of this award.
Second Place: Kasia Aguirre (English, French, Spanish)
Denver Kent High School, Colorado
“I’ve learned that normal people like you and I can actually have superpowers. Language is an often-forgotten power that allows us to form deep and meaningful connections with others across the globe and most importantly, see the world in a new light.”
Kasia Aguirre has earned the second place in the LTI Seal of Biliteracy Scholarship Award due to her remarkable linguistic abilities, passion for learning, and genuine interest in other cultures. Her teacher, Allison Cain, recalled Kasia’s early days in French class, highlighting her maturity, attention to detail, and exceptional language skills, which led her to skip a level and excel in advanced courses. Kasia’s dedication is evident as she earned a perfect score on her French exam and demonstrated deep cultural understanding through her study of Tunisia. Her enthusiasm for language extended beyond the classroom, as seen in her active participation in a language immersion exchange in France. In her submission video, Kasia spoke about her journey from a Spanish-speaking household to mastering both Spanish and French, emphasizing how language has empowered her to form meaningful connections and view the world through diverse lenses. Her achievements and aspirations make her a deserving recipient of this award, showcasing her commitment to multilingualism and cultural appreciation.
Third Place: Phoenix Boba (English, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese Mandarin)
Old Bridge High School, New Jersey
“Achieving the Seal of Biliteracy instills confidence in me that I can reconnect with my culture.”
Phoenix Boba has won third place due to her exceptional linguistic talents and deep appreciation for cultural diversity. Nominated by her teacher, Shanman Liao, Phoenix is recognized for her outstanding self-study skills, having independently mastered Korean, her fourth language alongside English, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Her academic dedication is reflected in her A+ grades and active participation in the Chinese Honor Society and the Asian American Club. In her submission video, Phoenix eloquently expressed how achieving the Seal of Biliteracy helped her reconnect with her Vietnamese heritage. She also shared her journey of learning Korean on her own, preparing for her future studies in global affairs and international law at a university in Korea. Phoenix’s multilingual abilities and passion for cultural understanding make her a deserving recipient of this award, showcasing her commitment to using language as a bridge to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Third Place: Mara Calderón Hinzman (English, Spanish, Chinese Mandarin)
Verona Area School District, Wisconsin
“In my future, I want to use my multilingual superpower in international business, diplomacy, or any field requiring cross cultural communication because being multilingual is one of my superpowers.”
Mara Calderón Hinzman is another deserving third-place winner of the LTI Seal of Biliteracy Scholarship Award. Her teacher, Diana Wells, highlighted Mara’s embodiment of multilingualism, having grown up learning Spanish and English simultaneously at home before enrolling in a Mandarin immersion school at the age of seven. Despite the challenges, Mara has leveraged her language skills to make a positive impact in her community, especially in her role as an ESL mentor, helping newcomers adapt to Wisconsin culture. In her submission video, Mara eloquently expressed how being multilingual is a superpower, allowing her to connect, understand, and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. She has worked hard to maintain her Spanish skills while also excelling in Mandarin, demonstrating her commitment to linguistic and cultural proficiency. Mara’s passion for using her multilingual abilities to transform lives and her aspirations in international business and diplomacy make her a shining example of the power of multilingualism.
Honorable Mention: Roberto Ambrosio (English, Spanish)
East Jordan Public Schools, Michigan
“I feel like anyone with the Seal of Biliteracy should be helping others.”
Roberto Ambrosio has earned an honorable mention and stands out as a pioneer in his district, being the first student to meet the criteria for the Seal of Biliteracy. His teacher, Angela Barrera, spoke of his deep commitment to learning Spanish. In his video submission, Roberto paid homage to his parents. He highlighted how his father used their family van to transport local migrant workers and help translate for them at grocery stores, demonstrating the power of bilingualism in supporting the community. Roberto’s heartfelt tribute to his parents’ hard work and dedication is beautifully encapsulated when he asks, “Are you proud of me, dad?” This touching moment underscores his deep respect for his family’s legacy and his desire to make them proud. Roberto’s passion for helping others is evident in his desire to become a bilingual nurse, continuing his family’s legacy of service.
Honorable Mention: Logan Dean (English, American Sign Language)
Silver Creek High School, Colorado
“My superpower isn’t that I can talk without my voice. My superpower is that I have the opportunity to learn and communicate with such a beautiful culture in an amazing community.”
Logan Dean has earned an honorable mention for the LTI Seal of Biliteracy Scholarship Award. Logan’s dedication to learning American Sign Language (ASL) over two years showcases his commitment to mastering the language. Logan’s journey with ASL has been transformative. Initially drawn to ASL’s unique ability to communicate without using one’s voice, he has since developed a deep appreciation for Deaf culture. His teacher, Elizabeth Brison, praises Logan’s efforts to overcome his natural shyness and effectively express himself through. In his video submission, Logan highlighted that his true superpower lies not in his ability to communicate silently but in his opportunity to connect with and learn from the Deaf community. Logan’s commitment to ASL and Deaf culture, along with his inspiring leadership and dedication, make him a deserving recipient of this honor.
Honorable Mention: Medha Dasgupta (English, French)
Bishop Guertin High School, New Hampshire
“To be multilingual is to have another world of experiences open to me.”
Medha (Mei) Dasgupta from Bishop Guertin High School has earned an honorable mention for the LTI Seal of Biliteracy Scholarship Award. Her French teacher, Elsa Conrad, praised Mei’s impressive grasp of French and her relentless pursuit of linguistic and cultural understanding. In her bilingual video submission, Mei eloquently expressed how multilingualism opens a world of experiences for her. She views the Seal of Biliteracy as a celebration of her learning journey and a means to use her language skills for the betterment of the world. Mei’s exceptional linguistic talents, cultural insights, and dedication to global understanding make her a deserving recipient of this recognition.
Honorable Mention for the Most Creative Video: Theodore Jones (English, Spanish)
Uintah High School, Utah
“Just as superheroes use their powers to gain confidence to serve others, I will use my superpower of bilingualism to be confident to talk in Spanish, which allows me to serve others better.”
Theodore deserves this recognition because he told his story in a fun and creative way. In his video, he assumed a role of a superhero saving the world. Though fun and entertaining, Theodore’s video demonstrated impressive dedication and enthusiasm for language learning, as well as a strong commitment to using his bilingual abilities for positive impact. He creatively portrayed bilingualism as a superpower, emphasizing its practical benefits and its potential for fostering cross-cultural understanding and service. His teacher, Jose Mendoza, highlighted Theodore’s genuine curiosity and appreciation for diverse cultures.
