🌟 Michigan Seal of Biliteracy 🌟

This award, given by the Michigan Department of Education, recognizes high school seniors who have demonstrated proficiency in English and at least one other language.This year, 68 Hamtramck Public Schools seniors have earned this prestigious honor 🏆. That is something to be incredibly proud of! 🎉

• Showcases your bilingual or multilingual abilities

• Strengthens college applications and scholarship opportunities

• Increases career readiness in a global workforce

• Appears on your transcript and comes with an official certificate and gold foil seal

• Recipients will be recognized at the Senior Honors Awards Ceremony

To qualify for the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy, students must:

✔️ Meet Hamtramck Public Schools graduation requirements

✔️ Demonstrate "Intermediate High" proficiency in a world language

It is highly recommended that students take proficiency assessments before the end of their junior year.

• Students may demonstrate language proficiency through:

• • STAMP 4S/STAMP WS— Score of 6 or higher

  • AP Language and Culture Exam — Score of 4 or higher

  • Other assessments approved by the Michigan Department of Education

  • Transcript from a foreign school (grade 6 or higher) showing successful completion of at least one year of instruction in all subjects in a language other than English

• Complete the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy Online Application

• Qualified students will receive:

  • An official letter from the Michigan Department of Education

  • A certificate with a gold foil seal

  • Recognition at the Senior Honors Awards Ceremony

📣 Could you share a bit about your earliest experiences with languages and cultures?

Growing up in Bangladesh, Bengali was the language for my everyday life. It wasn’t something I had to study, it came naturally through my family, friends, and the stories I heard around me. It shaped how I saw the world and became a big part of my identity. In school, we also learned English, but after moving to the U.S., it became a much bigger part of my life. I started using it every day and improved my skills a lot. Now, both Bengali and English help me connect with different people and cultures in meaningful ways.

What inspired you to pursue the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy?

I was lucky to have teachers and friends who supported me and believed in me. They encouraged me to go for the Seal of Biliteracy. They reminded me that I already speak two languages, which is a great strength. Their encouragement helped me realize that the Seal is a special chance to celebrate my language skills and to be proud of what I already know.

How has (or will) the Seal benefit you personally?

Earning the Seal of Biliteracy will show that I can speak, read, and write in more than one language. That’s something not everyone can do. It’s a big achievement that can help me in the future, especially when I apply to colleges or get a job. It’s also something that makes me feel proud of my culture and the languages I know. It’s like a badge that shows I’ve worked hard and stayed connected to my roots.

What advice would you give to other high school students who are aiming to earn the Seal?

If you know more than one language, I will definitely say go for the Seal of Biliteracy! It’s such a great opportunity to prove your skills and celebrate your background. It might seem hard at first but keep trying your best. You’ll feel really proud of yourself once you earn it, and it’s a special achievement that you’ll always remember.

What’s next on your language learning journey?

In the future, I want to learn another language, like Spanish or Japanese. I think both are really interesting and fun to learn. They also have rich cultures that I’d like to explore more. Learning a new language would help me connect with more people and understand different ways of life.

Complete the sentence: “Learning another language means…”

Learning another language means... opening up to new cultures and ways of thinking.

– Tasfia Khan, Class of 2025

📣 Could you share a bit about your earliest experiences with languages and cultures?

I grew up speaking Bengali at home and English at school, so both languages have always been part of my life. Moving to the U.S. opened my eyes to even more cultures. I also enjoy Tamil music, which got me interested in Tamil language and culture. Being surrounded by different languages helped me appreciate how powerful communication really is.

What inspired you to pursue the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy?

I wanted to show that being bilingual is something special. It’s a part of my identity and something I’m proud of. Getting the Seal also felt like a way to honor my heritage and recognize the effort I’ve put into learning and balancing two languages.

How has (or will) the Seal benefit you personally?

This Seal gives me a sense of pride and achievement. It’s something valuable I can include in my college and job applications. It shows I can understand and connect with more people through language, which will help in my future career and personal life.

What advice would you give to other high school students who are aiming to earn the Seal?

Don’t give up on your home language even if it’s hard sometimes. Try to speak it often, read books, or talk to family members in that language. Use your skills with confidence and be proud of your culture. The Seal is a great way to prove your ability and celebrate who you are.

What’s next on your language learning journey?

Besides continuing to grow my English and Bengali skills, I’m working on learning to read and write in Hindi. I can already speak Hindi, so now I want to fully understand it by reading and writing. I also want to learn more Tamil, especially since I love Tamil music.

Complete the sentence: “Learning another language means…”

Learning another language means gaining a new way to express yourself and connect with the world around you.

– Rajoshri Chakraborty, Class of 2025

The Seal shows colleges and jobs that I am bilingual, which helps me stand out. It also makes me feel more confident and proud of my culture and skills.

-Nazmul Hussain Adnan, Class of 2025

Learning another language means building bridges between people and feeling proud of where you come from.

-Malak Ali Mohammed Ahmed, Class of 2025

I wanted to make my parents proud and prove to myself that being fluent in Arabic and English is a strength. The Seal of Biliteracy felt like official recognition for the effort I’ve put into staying connected to my culture while also growing up in America.

-Salman Zaid, Class of 2025

Practice your languages every day. Talk with your family and friends. Watch videos and listen to music in your languages. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Keep trying and be patient.

-Bashayer Hasan, Class of 2025

I grew up in Yemen, where I spoke Arabic with my family, friends, and neighbors. Arabic was my first language, and it helped me stay connected to my culture and traditions. A few years ago, I moved to the United States, and I started learning English in school. I practiced it with my teachers, classmates, and people around me. Now, I use both Arabic and English every day. These two languages are a big part of my identity and help me live in two different cultures.

-Monyan AL-Sanabani, Class of 2025

Earning the Seal makes me proud to be bilingual. It reflects my hard work, helps me stand out in college applications, and will open doors to better job opportunities in the future.

- Farah Sweileh, Class of 2025

Well it was amazing, not only that I speak Bangla, but Urdu, Hindi, and English, too. There are so many cultures and languages; I respect and love all of them.

-Towshiful Islam Rejwan, Class of 2025

My English teacher Mrs. Jovanoska suggested me to take part in the Seal of Biliteracy. The benefit I would get is that it would validate my language skills, enhance my college application and improve my career.

-Saif ul Islam, Class of 2025

The Michigan Seal of Biliteracy could benefit someone personally by recognizing and validating their language skills.

-Nafisur Rahman Najim, Class of 2025

• 🔗 Michigan Seal of Biliteracy – Official MDE Page

• 🔗 STAMP 4S Test Info & Practice

• 🔗 AP Language and Culture Exams – College Board

• 🔗 Sample Prompts and Assessments

• 📧 Questions? Contact your school counselor or email mmaros@hamtramckschools.org