The Springfield City School District is proud to announce that Springfield High School (SHS) senior Lily’Ann Howard has earned the District’s first state Seal of Biliteracy in American Sign Language (ASL).
An Ohio Seal of Biliteracy recognizes graduating seniors who can demonstrate high levels of proficiency in English and at least one other world language. The Seal of Biliteracy is one of several state seals that students can earn in order to fulfill their Ohio graduation requirements.
Lily’Ann was inspired by her former fifth-grade teacher at Warder Park-Wayne Elementary, Mr. Alex Eben, to pursue ASL in high school. She is currently in the most advanced ASL course at SHS and takes part in out-of-school activities where she puts her ASL skills to use, communicating with Deaf individuals at local restaurants and coffee shops. When she graduates, Lily’Ann wants to become a social worker who advocates for Deaf communities.
“To achieve this mastery of a language is no easy feat,” said SCSD Superintendent Dr. Bob Hill. “Our District is incredibly honored to have students like Lily’Ann who work hard during their school careers to better themselves, want to improve their communities and will, no doubt, make a positive difference wherever life leads them.”
In addition to Lily’Ann, four SHS seniors will earn the Seal of Biliteracy in other languages this year: Taisha Louis, French; Melinda Buissereth, French; Bryan Chum-Ramirez, Spanish; and Charlotte Estrella Rodriguez, Spanish.