Celebrating Student Excellence: Seal of Biliteracy and Civic Readiness Recipients Honored

The Seal of Biliteracy provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their language skills with the goal for students to reach proficiency standards for speaking, writing, listening and reading in their designated World Language.

Jacob Johnson completed the requirements to obtain the seal. As part of the process, he challenged the AP French exam and passed with flying colors. In May, he presented his research project on the French Revolution, in French, to a panel of judges and the French I students as part of the requirements, which also included a question and answer section in French and English.

The Seal of Civic Readiness is a formal recognition with distinction in the area of civic mindedness. Students earn points by participating in the high school civic project, work-based learning experience, service learning experience and/or high school Capstone Project as well as points earned through academic Social Studies coursework.

This year, we recognize four individuals who earned this designation through a variety of experiences.

Elias MacLeish began his service learning project during his sophomore year to make the LaCava Nature Center accessible to students and the community. For more than two years, Elias helped coordinate community service work days with students and the community at large under the direction of Erik Hanson. This huge undertaking found success with the clearing of brush, adding mulch and reopening trails. We are grateful for the service Elias provided because this outdoor learning center benefits everyone.

Ben Lewis completed a service learning project. Beyond his leadership position as last year’s Leo Club president, Ben’s goal was to encourage middle school students and underclassmen to participate in Leo Club. Sharing information with students and advertising events, Ben promoted the organization and served at various events, which reached younger students and helped both the Leo Club and the Cooperstown Lions Club.

Arya Patel completed a work-based learning experience at The Freeman’s Journal, writing 18 articles during her high school career. Through her experience, she also brought other CCS students to the writing table and helped coordinate additional submissions. She developed her writing skills as she shared stories and information. In the end, Arya helped connect the school to the community at large through these newspaper articles.

Thomas Hellenthal completed a service learning project. Thomas saw a need for more community service involvement and partnered with the Booster Club for the project. He learned if the parents of every athlete worked at one event, the Booster Club would have concession stand coverage for all their events. Thomas attended Booster Club meetings and reached students and the community with advertisements, posters and conversations. He performed many hours of community service with the Cooperstown Booster Club.

Congratulations to all of our students who earned these designations!