Ten Central students received the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy for their proficiency in two languages, Spanish and English or French and English, this school year. 

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award recognizing the students in Nebraska who demonstrate proficiency in two languages, with four different medal categories: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Nine of the 10 were proficient in Spanish, with one, Scout Dollison, earning it in French. 

Senior Camila Dona-Trujillo and senior Jasmin Gutierrez Garcia are two recipients of this award this school year. Dona-Trujillo has been taking Spanish classes to reconnect to her roots and her culture, and she would like to be a crime scene investigator or translate for victims. She earned this award by taking two years of both advanced English and advanced Spanish respectively, and she has a silver medal. 

“Spanish is my first language, so it feels like I’ve done right with my culture,” Dona-Trujillo said. 

Her word of advice to other students who would like to try to obtain this award is to believe in yourself. 

Gutierrez-Garcia had recently discovered the Seal of Biliteracy through her teachers, who had recommended she apply to receive it. She also has a silver medal, and she would like to become a therapist to help a broader spectrum of people with mental health struggles, something other students have encouraged her to do. 

“I’ve never thought of it that way,” Gutierrez Garcia said.  

Her advice for students who want to strive to get this award is to go for it, and to keep going regardless of how hard it gets.