Now in its third year, Colonie Central High School continues to celebrate student achievement through participation in the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) program. This statewide initiative recognizes students who have demonstrated high levels of proficiency in English and at least one additional language—a significant milestone in their academic and cultural journeys.

This year, an impressive 53 Colonie students earned the Seal of Biliteracy, including 39 seniors and 14 juniors. Among them, three students achieved trilingual recognition, showcasing their ability to communicate in two world languages in addition to English.

Students began preparing at the start of the school year, developing and delivering in-depth presentations in both English and another world language. Over the course of two days, they showcased their language skills to a panel of evaluators, representing languages including Mandarin, Turkish, Albanian, Arabic, Farci, Spanish, French, and Italian.

Once approved, students received the official Seal of Biliteracy, which will be added to their diplomas and transcripts and recognized at graduation — a lasting mark of their academic dedication and cultural appreciation.

“We’re incredibly proud to offer this opportunity to our students,” said Bill Behrle, principal of Colonie Central High School. “Fluency in another language not only sets them apart in college applications, but also gives them a competitive edge in today’s job market.”

The Seal of Biliteracy program is a collaborative effort, with support from staff across departments helping students refine their presentations and gain confidence throughout the process.

“This program honors students' hard work and gives them a chance to shine in front of their peers and teachers,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perry. “We are so proud of the 53 students who earned this recognition and look forward to seeing the program grow in the years to come.”