16 Troy High School seniors earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy after completing their capstone presentations on April 29.
After completing a capstone presentation to a panel of world language educators, sixteen Troy High School seniors have earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy — a prestigious recognition awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language before graduating high school.
It is affixed to a student’s diploma and transcript as a permanent, official record of their abilities.
Earning the seal is not automatic. Students must meet rigorous academic standards in both English and a world language, including completing advanced coursework, passing approved proficiency assessments and presenting a culminating project to a panel of reviewers. This process requires students to demonstrate real communication skills across speaking, listening, reading and writing. Troy CSD’s 16 seniors completed their presentations on April 29.
This year’s students presented in English, Greek, Spanish and Mandarin. Students who presented in English represent a variety of cultures and native languages, including Spanish, Haitian Creole, Turkish, Dari and Ukrainian — languages that reflect the depth of experience and culture our students bring to Troy High School every day.
The Seal of Biliteracy is recognized across all 50 states and signals to colleges and employers that a graduate has real-world communication skills in more than one language.
This year’s cohort of 16 is the largest Troy CSD has recognized in recent years.
2026 Seal of Biliteracy Recipients (language of the capstone presentation is listed first):
Lismairi Quezada Vasquez: English and Spanish
Demetrios Skordas: Greek and English
Cinthya Gonzalez: English and Spanish
Steephanie Roblero: English and Spanish
Jackson Murray: Spanish and English
Genesis Gonzalez: Spanish and English
Keisy Pena Dicent: English and Spanish
Mia Green: Spanish and English
Ashley Cortinez: English and Spanish
Jiarui Xiao: Mandarin Chinese and English
Sthecy Lebrun: English and Haitian Creole
Erfan Hosseini: English and Turkish
Morsal Fazli: English and Dari
Stanley Lebrun: English and Haitian Creole
Barbara Gomez Perez: English and Spanish
Danyil Koval: English and Ukrainian