Mount Sinai recognizes 22 students with New York State Seal of Biliteracy; one earns tri‑literacy

The Mount Sinai Union Free School District on June 17 recognized 22 high school students who earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy, a credential awarded to graduates who demonstrate high proficiency in English and at least one other language.

The recognition, delivered by a district staff member identified in the meeting as Miss Strewissus, noted that this was Mount Sinai’s second year issuing the seal. The recipients demonstrated proficiency in seven languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Japanese. The district named Matteo Del Poeta as a tri‑literacy recipient, having met requirements in English, Spanish and Italian.

Miss Strewissus said the seal reflects students’ voluntary effort and additional coursework: “These students made the choice to do something extra, something above and beyond.” She described individual student projects and interviews conducted by a panel of educators as part of the assessment process.

The speaker shared a specific student story during the presentation. She said Yi Ji, who earned the seal in Chinese and English, told the district that early struggles learning English after studying abroad led to “self doubt and a sense of isolation,” but that he decided to confront the challenge and found growth. Miss Strewissus quoted him: “As soon as you have made a decision, you have already improved.”

The board and district thanked families for supporting heritage language learners and called the credential a tool for cross‑cultural communication as students prepare for college and careers.

The district read the full list of recipients aloud during the meeting and presented certificates and medallions to students in attendance.