Glacier High School grads receive Montana seal of Biliteracy

Twenty recent Glacier High School graduates received the Montana Gold Seal of Biliteracy during their senior year, recognizing their proficiency in two or more languages. 

Recipients received gold diploma seals in Spanish, French, German, and American Sign Language. Recipient Abby Sneeden received two seals in French and Spanish and was honored at the International Languages Recognition ceremony in April to receive pins bearing the official seal from the Montana Board of Public Education. 

French seal recipients also include — Ethan Grant, Quindy Gronley, Tyla Nelson, Hunter Snyder 

Spanish seal recipients are Madeline Bondy, Sophia Bourriague, Emma Chute Teigen, Sarah Downs, Ella Farrell, Alex Hudson, Julia Hagemeier, Ella Halliburton, Blake Lindemann, Katrina Preston, Van Scholten, Claire Schwaller, Haven Speer and Elise Strobel. 

Sage Piercy received the American Sign Language seal. 

This is the second year Glacier has recognized students with the state seals, which were approved by the Montana Board of Education in 2021. Last year 17 seniors received seals. 

During the 2023-24 school year, 85 sophomores, juniors, and seniors tested in English, French, Spanish, Vietnamese, and German in pursuit of the seal. In order to qualify, students must receive an intermediate to mid-proficiency level in writing, speaking, reading, and listening in addition to meeting state graduation requirements.  

Students may test in the two languages currently offered at Glacier or in a language they can demonstrate proficiency in such as a language spoken at home. 

“Being able to communicate in more than just one language is crucial to our students’ success in our increasingly globalized world. While their awards recognize that they are fluent in two or more languages, they also signify a high school graduate who is aware of and understands a wider world and their place in it,” Glacier French teacher and International Languages Activities Coordinator Stephanie Hill said.