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Lewiston recognizes 30 students for Seal of Biliteracy; district highlights pathways to college credit
Summary
The school committee recognized 30 Lewiston Public Schools students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy during the 2024–25 school year and noted that some Maine colleges provide college credits for the credential.
LEWISTON, Maine — The Lewiston School Committee on Monday recognized 30 students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy during the 2024–25 school year, and district leaders explained how the credential can translate to college credit.
Assistant Superintendent Karen Paquette and district staff described the Seal of Biliteracy as an award from the Maine Department of Education that “recognizes graduating students for having a high degree of proficiency in English and another language.” The district first participated in the program during the 2022–23 school year.
District staff said 30 students either earned the seal as seniors or completed requirements as juniors and will receive the award next year when they graduate. Director Liza (last name in transcript: Macklemore) said the 30 students represented proficiency in 14 languages. “This is a huge accomplishment and it's something that should be celebrated,” she said.
Staff noted that several Maine colleges — including University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), University of Maine at Orono (UMO), University of Southern Maine (USM), Southern Maine Community College, Husson University and University of Maine Machias — may award 3 to 6 college credits for qualifying biliteracy scores.
The committee invited students forward to be recognized at the meeting.
Why it matters: The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes multilingual proficiency, can confer college credit at certain institutions and highlights language assets in a multilingual district.
What’s next: District staff will continue to support students who opt into the assessment process and to publicize college credit opportunities associated with the seal.
