This spring, 22 Catholic Central students won the Global Seal of Biliteracy based on AP Spanish exam achievements. The Global Seal of Biliteracy is an international credential awarded to individuals displaying proficiency with language skills in two or more languages.

“I am very proud of them all, considering the pandemic learning they experienced and the rigor of the exam,” said Spanish Teacher Mrs. Jennifer Manriquez. 

The AP Spanish exam requires students to demonstrate proficiency in reading comprehension, listening comprehension, academic writing, and speaking – all in their second language.

“The Spanish program at CC helped me learn more traditional forms of grammar and helped my understanding of different Spanish-speaking cultures,” said Javier Farfan-Morales ‘24.

With the award, students earned a special seal for their diploma. The recognition opens many doors for students receiving the Global Seal of Biliteracy, including higher pay, scholarships, advanced language placement, and increased study abroad opportunities through their college or university. 

“Several students have informed me that they took the language placement test for their university and were able to either fulfill all of the language requirements, while others entered a junior year level course,” said Mrs. Manriquez.

While Mrs. Manriquez admits the scores and recognition have their benefits, she says she takes the most pride in cultivating real-life communication skills with her students, whether that be during the school’s language immersion trip in Costa Rica or speaking at home with family.

“I typically speak Spanish at home with my parents, but my grammar was always pretty terrible before,'' said Ryu Zarco-Yokoyama ‘23. “Thanks to the Spanish program at CC, my parents are able to understand me better during longer conversations”. 

Catholic Central offers a rigorous AP Spanish course, utilizing course materials typically on par with third-year college courses in Spanish language. The course is conducted almost exclusively in Spanish as students sharpen their interpretive, spoken, written, and presentational language skills. 

Through study of topics ranging from literature, commerce, law, and educational systems in Spanish speaking areas, students gain insight into Spanish speaking cultures. The course exposes students to customs, routines, and patterns of social interaction representative of various Spanish speaking cultures so as to cultivate appreciation of each culture’s perspectives, values, attitudes, and assumptions.

Congratulations to all awardees: 

John Lemon

Michael Khzouz

Andrew Laroo

Drew Los

Javier Farfan- Morales

Ryu Zarco- Yokoyama

Danny Perez

Brian Petroff

Nolan Gresens

Tristan Toma

Julian Ariza

Diego Guerra

Brady Anderson

Devon Soman

Billy Morphew

Jude Laskey

Pablo Rebollar

Jonah Killebrew

Patrick Lurz

Cameron Andrysiak

Nikolas Ilievski

Dominic Piccirilli