On Nov. 19, 2025, from 6-8 PM in the Whitmer auditorium, Yellowjackets showing language proficiency in both English and a second language received their seal of Biliteracy award in a ceremony put on by the San Bernardino County Office of Education.
In addition to Colton High students, students from Bloomington and Grand Terrace High were also awarded. This event was one of two Biliteracy ceremonies held on Nov. 19. The other, for students attending schools in the northern side of the county, was held at the California Theater in San Bernardino.
The California State Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious honor for high school seniors. Recipients are awarded a medal, a certificate of achievement, and cords to display on their gowns during graduation ceremony. The seal is also a helpful inclusion on college applications and job resumes as seniors ready themselves for life after high school.
There has also been an increase in the amount of students participating in and receiving their seal of Biliteracy. Adding about 200 or more while continuing to see growth in dual immersion programs across the district.
“To have the highest number on this side of this side of the county, is something to be proud of,” said Dr. Tina Peterson, Assistant Superintendent of Educational services for CJUSD.
However, for many, the excitement surrounding the seal of Biliteracy goes beyond what it can do for a person’s future. For Samantha Perez, one of the guest student speakers, it’s about much more.
“To win this award tonight, it means that I’m able to represent my culture and my identity and who I am as a person,” she said. “This language is a language that I’ve grown up speaking, and to be able to get an award for speaking, it means a lot to me.”
The assembly started off introducing those in the district who made it possible for those who were interested in receiving a seal of Biliteracy to take the test. While also giving a shout out to the students from Bloomington, Grand Terrace, Washington, and Colton high school students for attending the assembly.
This event was important to students and families because it shows how proud and accomplished they are. Senior Elijah Garcia said, “Getting my seal of biliteracy certificate makes me feel very accomplished and thankful for the people that helped me get to this point.”
For students like Juan Munoz, this award was also very important because of having parents who rely on them for translations, “I usually help my mom out translating. That’s usually my role in the family and it’s very important to me.”