Biddeford High School celebrates the Class of 2026; Twelve graduates earn Maine’s Seal of Biliteracy

As Biddeford High School (BHS) celebrates the accomplishments of the Class of 2026, twelve graduating seniors have earned Maine's Seal of Biliteracy, a distinction that recognizes proficiency in English and at least one additional language and highlights the growing value of multilingual skills in college, careers, and an increasingly interconnected world.

The Seal of Biliteracy is just one of many achievements in which the BHS Class of 2026 was recognized. Among this year's 165 graduates:

The twelve students who earned the Maine Seal of Biliteracy this year are Nesrin Al Mohammad for Turkish, Germana Andre for Portuguese, Mote Andre for Portuguese, Jainara Cambanje for Portuguese, Isabel Futxeca for Portuguese, Lara Iriho for French, Asnath Mfunda for Portuguese Luliana Monteiro for Portuguese, Avelina Mulopo for Portuguese, Afonsina Ngoma for Portuguese, Gero Ovejera for Tagalog, and Abdullah Shakir for Arabic.

The Top 10 academic scholars this year are Jacqueline Dallaire (Valedictorian),Tori Hussey (Salutatorian), Zachary Ames, Sabrina Daly, Alyssa Nguyen, Lucas Scott, Katarina De La Torre, Joshua Campbell, Beks Hatch and Sabrina Wood.

Nine student-athletes earned the prestigious Golden Tiger distinction, having participated in three sports each year of their four-year high school career.

Forty-six graduates received cords or special recognitions.

Members of the class were awarded more than $77,000 in scholarships and awards.

Five seniors have enlisted in a branch of the military to serve their country.

Approximately 94% of graduates will continue their education at colleges, universities, military service programs, technical training programs, or directly enter the workforce and apprenticeships.

To earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate proficiency at the "Intermediate 2" level or higher in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in both English and an additional language through an approved assessment.

"These graduates have demonstrated perseverance, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge themselves beyond traditional graduation requirements," said Martha Murray, principal of Biddeford High School. "The ability to communicate in more than one language is an incredible asset. Whether these students are headed to college, careers, military service, or travel abroad, they are leaving Biddeford High School with skills that will help them connect with and contribute to an increasingly diverse world."

The Seal becomes part of a student’s academic transcript, offering a competitive advantage for college admission and future employment. Several colleges and universities in Maine, including the University of Southern Maine and Southern Maine Community College, recognize the Seal of Biliteracy by awarding up to eight college credits for demonstrated language proficiency.

"Language learning is about far more than vocabulary and grammar," said Dr. Mandy Cyr, Director of Curriculum and Innovation for the Biddeford School Department. "Students who develop proficiency in multiple languages gain valuable communication skills, cultural awareness, and confidence. These are skills that open doors to higher education, employment, and global citizenship.”

The Maine Department of Education allows schools to award the Seal locally through a designated Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator, helping expand access to the program for students across the state. Biddeford High School's Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator is Heather Tremblay, Curriculum and Student Support Coordinator.

Eligibility for the Seal requires meeting language proficiency benchmarks through an approved assessment. Eligibility for the Seal requires students to meet established language proficiency benchmarks through an approved assessment. Accommodations and exemptions are available in certain circumstances to ensure the process remains equitable and accessible for all students.

As members of the Class of 2026 prepare to take their next steps, this year's graduates leave Biddeford High School with a wide range of accomplishments, talents, and aspirations. From academic excellence and career preparation to community service, leadership, athletics, the arts, multilingual achievement, and state and regional championship titles, the Class of 2026 has made a lasting impact on the school community and is well prepared to pursue success in whatever path lies ahead.

For more information about Maine’s Seal of Biliteracy, visit the Maine Department of Education website at https://www.maine.gov/doe/learning/content/world-language/biliteracy .