Norristown, PA — For the first time in district history, Norristown Area High School (NAHS) students graduated with the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy — a nationally recognized honor that affirms their proficiency in two or more languages. Norristown Area School District (NASD) proudly announces that 18 seniors from the Class of 2025 earned this distinction.
Languages represented from the Class of 2025 include Spanish and Pulaar. In addition, seven juniors at NAHS have already completed most of the requirements to earn the Seal next year, with more students actively being identified through the district’s screening process.
“Celebrating multilingualism creates space for connection, creativity, and pride while amplifying cognitive, cultural, and expressive possibilities,” said Mrs. Malikah Upchurch, Supervisor of Secondary Multilingual Programs.
The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes proficiency in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening in English and at least one additional language. NASD students can demonstrate their skills through either the ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) or a locally-evaluated portfolio. Students are encouraged to choose the path that best reflects their learning, with the flexibility to adjust their decision along the way.
This new opportunity was made possible by the dedicated work of the NASD Seal of Biliteracy Committee, a group of staff members who volunteered their time to guide students and review submissions. NASD also extends sincere thanks to the evaluator team at Norristown Area High School for their support, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback throughout the process.
The purpose of Pennsylvania’s Seal of Biliteracy is to:
Recognize the value of world and dual language programs in schools;
Affirm cultural and linguistic diversity in school communities;
Encourage the development and maintenance of home languages;
Promote proficiency in English and another language;
Provide colleges and employers with a way to identify biliterate individuals;
And support civic and global engagement.
With over 23% of NASD students identified as multilingual learners, this initiative reflects the district’s belief that being bilingual is a superpower — one that opens doors to opportunity, strengthens academic achievement, and honors the full identity of each and every student.
“We are extremely proud of the 18 members of the NAHS Class of 2025 who earned the Seal of Biliteracy this year. This accomplishment is not only a testament to the students who recognized the importance of this recognition to devote the additional time and complete the additional academic requirements, but also is another example of the NASD community uplifting each and every member to celebrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging,” said Christopher Dormer, Superintendent of Schools.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) does not require or fund the Seal of Biliteracy program. NASD chose to implement it beginning with the Class of 2025 to ensure all students—regardless of language background—have the opportunity to celebrate their unique strengths and accomplishments.
Students who earn the Seal will be recognized at graduation and receive a special insignia on their diploma. In addition to being a source of personal pride, the Seal of Biliteracy is a credential that can lead to college credit, scholarships, and career opportunities.
Check out the Blue and White segment of Eagle News on NASD-TV from May 30, 2025 to hear directly from some of the students about what this recognition means to them.
For more information about the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy, visit the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association website.