Photo courtesy of Bronxville School

By Blaine Malefatto, Syntax

June 30, 2026: Twenty-two Bronxville High School seniors have earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy, a distinction recognizing exceptional proficiency in two languages, while one student earned the Seal of Civic Readiness.

The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking in English and another language. To earn the credential, the students completed a comprehensive portfolio featuring samples of their work and reflections on their language-learning journey. A panel of administrators, curriculum leaders and language teachers evaluated their work and proficiency through interviews. 

“Our Seal recipients truly embody the Bronxville Promise,” said Denise Flood, a Latin teacher, curriculum leader of world languages and Seal of Biliteracy coordinator. “Through their study of language and culture, they have developed as leaders, innovators, critical thinkers and engaged citizens. Their language learning has helped them to build connections, understand different perspectives and foster a sense of belonging across communities. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work these students have shown in earning this distinction.”

Nicholas Meyercord earned the Seal of Biliteracy in three languages: English, Latin and Spanish. Faith Belke was the only student to earn both the Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Civic Readiness.

“Faith’s achievement as the only student to complete the Seal of Civic Readiness this year is a testament to her work ethic,” said Dana Landesman, a social studies teacher and social studies curriculum leader. “From her advanced National History Day research to her extensive volunteer work for veterans and children, she consistently proves that civic duty and academic excellence go hand in hand.”

The Seal of Civic Readiness is a formal recognition that a student has attained a high level of proficiency in terms of civic knowledge, civic skills, civic mindset and civic experiences. Students are required to complete a service-learning project and participate in extracurricular activities and advanced course studies. As part of the process, Belke identified a real-world problem, conducted research and presented her findings. 

Congratulations to the following students:

Seal of Biliteracy

French

Grayson Curran

Nicholas Gonda

Ethan Kao

Kara Kochansky

Sabrina Presant

Margaret Stein

Colette Ungvary

Teo Valdes

Latin

Faith Belke

Peyton Gallo

Quinn Hershberg

Nicholas Meyercord

Harry Phillips

Violet Villoch

Spanish

Catherine Aldebot

Samuel Bright

Caroline Hardart

Larissa Kocur

Anne Marshall

Nicholas Meyercord

Alexander Nazzaro

Max Nazzaro

Lily Mei Peckham

Seal of Civic Readiness

Faith Belke