On June 12, East Rockaway High School held a special ceremony to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of a group of seniors who earned the prestigious New York State Seal of Biliteracy and/or the Seal of Civic Readiness. These distinctions, added to the students’ diplomas and recognized with a medal and certificate, are a testament to their academic dedication, linguistic proficiency and civic engagement.

The Seal of Biliteracy was awarded to students who demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and at least one world language. This year, students were recognized for their skills in Spanish, Italian and even Mandarin. The following students earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish: Braeden Abamonga, Julia Agro, Evelyn Arabov, Sugar Helena Constant, Camila Lemus, James Lewald, Kaitlyn Lewald, Sarah Lonergan, Elyssa Maffetone, Andres Mezquita, Mia Monteleone, Frandy Peralta Trinidad, Ariana Perez, Emily Perez, Timothy Poland, Daniela Ramirez-Guevara, Ashley Rivera Flores and Luna Voss. Earning the Seal in Italian were Kylie Curtis, Stalin Macias-Freire, Liam McGrory, Stacy Molina Navarez and Gabriella Schaefer. Joey Lu was recognized with an exceptional achievement: the Seal of Biliteracy in both Spanish and Mandarin.

Equally impressive were the students who earned the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness, an honor given to those who exhibit strong understanding and commitment to civic life and community engagement. These students have shown their dedication not only through academic excellence in social studies but also through meaningful participation in their communities. Among the recipients were Braeden Abamonga, Julia Agro, Evelyn Arabov, Sophia Croce, Kylie Curtis, Isabella DeCunzo, Robert DeJesus, Jacob Eckstein, Mackenzie Gallagher, Julia Giannotti, Tristen Latchman, Katelyn Lewald, James Lewald, Sarah Lonergan, Joey Lu, Erin Lynch, Elyssa Maffetone, Liam McGrory, Shannon McMahon, Andres Mezquita, Stacy Molina Navarez, Mia Monteleone, Brandon Morsucci, Sophia Pappas, Emily Perez, Quinn Perez, Timothy Poland, Daniela Ramirez-Guevara, Lizbeth Rivera, Ashley Rivera Flores, Gabriella Schaefer, Mickayla Sharkey, Angelina Stavropoulos, Michael Thorgersen, Sophia Tizio and Madison Watson.

The Seal of Biliteracy celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity, while the Seal of Civic Readiness emphasizes the importance of informed, engaged citizens. East Rockaway High School is proud of these seniors for their hard work and commitment to excellence in both areas. Their achievements not only reflect personal growth and academic success but also prepare them to make meaningful contributions in a global and democratic society.