LPS students achieve linguistic legacies with Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Award

January 14, 2026

Lincoln Public Schools students secured verbal victories this winter for learning how to translate words into several world languages.

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and Nebraska Languages Association (NEBLA) announced that scholars from Lincoln High, East, Southeast and Southwest earned the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Award. They were among nearly 200 young Nebraska linguists recognized for displaying a high proficiency in English and at least one other world language. The list includes students whose families have provided permission for the NDE to release their names and LPS to release their names and photos.

Southeast High School senior Isabelle Watkins was pleased to add the prestigious award to her resume. She earned the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy for her eloquence in French.

“It’s exciting to be able to communicate with others in their native language and learn about their traditions, values and perspectives,” Watkins said. “Studying a world language has challenged me to think differently and develop problem solving skills. Overall, it has given me greater confidence and a deeper appreciation for diversity, which I believe will help me personally and professionally in the future.”

Lincoln High senior Emele’ Ratumaimuri and East High School senior Raticha Wongummarukchok said they have already reaped benefits from their Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy knowledge in Spanish. Both have formed new friendships at school and felt they have become more effective communicators.

“My world language class helped me connect to others who spoke the same language I was learning,” Ratumaimuri said. “It was really cool to be out in public and understand what they were saying.”

“I have enjoyed gaining a greater understanding of Spanish culture and traditions in addition to learning the Spanish language,” Wongummarukchok said. “My advice for students is to take advantage of learning a world language in high school, or school in general, because learning a language is easier if you learn it at a younger age.”

Southeast High School teacher Kristen Tangen said she was proud of LPS students who put in the time and effort to receive the award. Tangen, a French instructor and the school’s world language department chair, said they met the Nebraska World Language Standards of communication, culture, connections, communities and cognition.

“Learning a language is about growth and taking small risks, more than about being perfect,” Tangen said. “To be able to cap off their high school language experience by earning this recognition shows that they have grown, taken risks and persisted through a fourth or fifth year of classes at a high level. I am pleased that LPS is expanding the opportunities for students to obtain this recognition and is celebrating these accomplishments.”

Students can apply for Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy recognition through their individual high schools. They must present evidence of proficiency in a second language through transcripts and test results. They can choose from multiple national exams that cover a variety of languages. Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Advisory Board members review each application to accurately assess the proficiency levels of each student.

Watkins said she believes her world language skills will open up more opportunities both at school and in the workplace. She plans to study abroad for a semester in college, which will provide her with firsthand knowledge of French society.

“Knowing the language will help me fully experience the culture, connect with people and gain the most out of that experience,” Watkins said. “In the long run, being bilingual will make me more competitive in the job market and allow me to work with people with different backgrounds. It is an important skill that will help me build relationships around the globe.”

Tangen said being bilingual is also beneficial from many personal standpoints.

“Studies show that when you acquire another language, you learn more about your first language, you develop reading and communication skills, you increase cognitive abilities and memory skills, and more,” Tangen said. “I also believe that you understand more about your own identity and culture as you practice expressing yourself in your non-native language and study other cultures.”

Nearly 90 universities across the nation have endorsed Seal of Biliteracy programs for high school students. The endorsements allow recipients to earn college credits for their multilingual talents. Many businesses and non-profit organizations in Nebraska and other states have also promoted Seal of Biliteracy efforts.

Tangen said the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy program falls in the same uplifting category as other school activities. She said it is exciting for students to display their multilingual talents to the world.

“I think about when students are learning an instrument or playing a sport; nobody expects them to be at a professional level (fluent) when they leave high school,” Tangen said. “We celebrate when music students earn a high rating at a music competition, or when athletes achieve a new personal best. We can now celebrate when students can show a high level of proficiency in two or more languages through this process.”

Fall 2025 Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Recipients

Lincoln High: Abby Kruse (French), Azalia Heider (Spanish), Eli Moody (Spanish), Emele’ Ratumaimuri (Spanish), Frank Bomberger (Spanish), Julian Brown (Spanish), Maddy Amundsen (Spanish), Marione Forlemu (French), Omran Smoqy (Spanish), Philipp Georg Antony Groeger (German), Sebastian Aracena (Spanish)

East High School: Amelia Schupbach (Spanish), Erica Nesja (Spanish), Lily McEntarffer (Spanish), Ralph Wichman (Spanish), Raticha Wongummarukchok (Spanish)

Southeast High School: Clio Baird (Spanish), Elizabeth Sidders (Spanish), Isabelle Watkins (French), Sophi Lee (Spanish)

Southwest High School: Sherlin Fonseca Ramos (Spanish)

Want to learn more about world languages at LPS? Visit our World Language department to discover information about courses, proficiency levels and grading guidance.

Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!