10 GISH Students Earn Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy
GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) — Another class of Grand Island Senior High scholars have made history and celebrated their heritage along the way.
Ten more GISH students have officially earned the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy for the Fall 2026 term bringing the total number of scholars earning this distinction to 20 overall since last school year. The prestigious award recognizes students who have attained a high level of proficiency in both English and at least one other world language.
Established in California in 2011, the Seal of Biliteracy was adopted by Nebraska starting in 2020. In the 2025-26 school year, the GISH World Languages Department went to work to bring this opportunity to their students at Senior High. And now, another 10 scholars have earned the notable distinction.
“The Seal of Biliteracy gives students an opportunity to formally recognize and demonstrate their proficiency in English and another language.” Oscar Fuentes, GISH AP Spanish Teacher, said. “For many of our students, especially those who grow up speaking another language at home, this distinction validates a skill they have developed throughout their lives. It allows them to proudly demonstrate their abilities to colleges, universities, and future employers.”
The students qualified by demonstrating mastery in AP Spanish Literature and Culture, a rigorous course that challenges even native speakers to dive deep into complex texts and linguistic analysis. Students take the AP exam to qualify for the honor.
Biliteracy, not to be confused with bilingual, means you can not only read, write and speak a language, but that you also understand the meaning of the language and the culture that comes with it.
For one GISH Senior, the recognition of the State Seal of Biliteracy confirms one thing: Her sense of belonging.
Natalia Iglesias Alarcon is a Senior in the Academy of Medical Sciences at Grand Island Senior High. She’s an officer on Student Council, involved in HOSA Future Healthcare Leaders, and a member of National Honor Society — to say she’s a busy student is an understatement. She’s also proud of her Cuban heritage. By embracing her bilingual skills, her heritage, and her friends at school, pursuing the Biliteracy Seal helped her build stronger connections with her classmates.
“My parents are Cuban, so I speak Spanish at home.” Natalia said. “This award means I can be involved with the [Spanish speaking] community, also with the English community. With the Spanish community, I'm able to understand, speak, and have friends who are bilingual, or who only speak Spanish, or who are only English speakers. That means I'm in both communities.”
There’s a confidence that comes with feeling like you belong with peers without the barrier of language. For Natalia, she feels a sense of pride. She’s proud to be bilingual, and proud to be recognized for the hours of learning, practicing, and studying she put into earning this certification. That’s the momentum she’ll carry with her as she plans to venture to the University of Nebraska Lincoln after high school to chart her path of becoming a lawyer.
For Dr. Amanda Levos, GIPS English Learner Director, the celebration of students earning the Seal of Biliteracy is the culmination of more than just hard work — it’s empowering both the voices and the futures of the students.
“This is a celebration of family, culture, and bright futures.” Dr. Levos shared. “Seeing our students thrive in both English and Spanish is a truly inspiring achievement and a strength that will serve them throughout their lives.
As the second class of students to carry this honor, the Islander scholars hope the momentum continues throughout the years. And for the GISH World Languages Department, the greater sense of belonging and celebrating heritage for their students keeps them going.
“We have a wonderfully diverse student population, and our long-term goal is to extend this opportunity beyond Spanish to include students who demonstrate proficiency in German and other languages represented in our school community.” Mr. Fuentes reflected. “We want every student who has developed strong skills in more than one language to recognize that ability as an achievement worth celebrating and as an asset that can contribute to their future success.”
Congratulations to the Fall 2026 Grand Island Senior High Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Scholars:
-Zurisadai Gomez Cotom - Spanish - Gold
-Natalia Iglesias Alarcon - Spanish - Gold
-Yoselin Lindo-Morente - Spanish - Gold
-Keily Lopez Lopez - Spanish - Silver
-Katheryn Nolazco Guilarte - Spanish - Silver
-Melina Perez Gonzales - Spanish - Platinum
-Madelyn Perez Molina - Spanish - Silver
-Jessica Riz-Linco - Spanish - Platinum
-Mayra Velasquez Nas - Spanish - Gold
-Jose Del Valle Nazco - Spanish - Platinum