Woodland Joint Unified School District recognized nearly 620 students for their achievement toward becoming bilingual and bi-literate on April 28 at the Woodland High School stadium.

Hundreds of families and community members gathered at the district’s annual Multilingual Achievement Ceremony to proudly watch as their students, ranging from kindergarten to high school, were honored for their academic progress toward biliteracy.

Superintendent Elodia Ortega-Lampkin praised students for their dedication and emphasized the value of multilingualism in today’s world.

“This celebration is a powerful reminder of the incredible dedication our students, families, and educators have shown in supporting multilingualism in our District,” Ortega-Lampkin said. “Being bilingual and biliterate is a lifelong asset that will benefit our students academically, professionally and personally.”

Marco Tamayo was among the attendees to watch his student, Jayden Tamayo, a senior at Pioneer High School, walk across the stage and be recognized.

“We’re just proud of him for sticking to it and being bilingual,” Marco said. “We wanted to help him in his future, whatever career path he chooses. Being bilingual will open so many doors and opportunities in his future endeavors.”

Honorees included 346 students who were English Learners and have now demonstrated English competency; 126 students who are on a pathway to biliteracy, demonstrating progress toward proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish and English; and 146 seniors who earned the State Seal of Biliteracy, acknowledging their oral and written competency in at least two languages.

Woodland High School senior Alan Lopez, who earned his State Seal of Biliteracy, reflected on what the recognition means to him.

“I think it’s a great honor because this achievement will help me in many aspects of life, including my future career,” Lopez said.