Congratulations to all Northside Seniors who took the Seal of Biliteracy test! In March, Northside Seniors participated in the Seal of Biliteracy exam, a statewide recognition for students who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages. Beyond the test scores and certificates, the experience sparked deeper conversations about what it truly means to be biliterate. Through language, these students connect with their heritage, broaden their perspectives, and open doors to future opportunities. As they prepare to graduate, both students and teachers reflect on the lasting value of biliteracy, and why it matters now more than ever.
For senior Yareli Miranda, who took AP French, the process of learning another language opened new doors to understanding how language shapes identity. “I have learned about the process it takes in learning another language,” she shared. “It has been a challenge, but I’ve enjoyed it.” Already bilingual, Yareli saw French as a way to expand beyond her comfort zone while also appreciating the connections between the languages she knew already. “Now that I understand the process of learning a language, I can continue with another language I’m interested in.”
This sense of discovery was shared by senior Maliha Baqui, also in AP French. “Learning another language has allowed me to explore a different way of speaking and different cultures,” she said. “It helped me understand the culture of France and French-speaking countries. I also learned about daily life in France, which helps me make connections to my own life.” Maliha hopes to continue using French to travel and explore cultures in places like France, Switzerland, and Morocco.
The personal insights shared by these seniors is demonstrative of the impact that language learning has outside of the classroom. Señor Blease, who teaches Spanish at Northside, emphasized that lessons go far beyond vocabulary and grammar. “Students are learning life skills like organization, grit, and determination,” he said. “When they engage with another language, they’re also learning to connect with people, with cultures, and with themselves.”
As a teacher, Señor Blease has seen firsthand how meaningful biliteracy can be for students and their futures. “Knowing that these students will be able to connect with 600 million other Spanish speakers around the world, that’s powerful,” he said. “I love getting news from past students who use Spanish in their jobs or with the families they married into. It’s a skill that stays with them.”
His classroom is a space built on full immersion from Spanish 1 through AP, replicating the kind of language exposure students naturally experience with English. “I set the expectation from day one,” he said. “We create a space where students hear, speak, and interact in Spanish as much as possible. That’s how we learn any language, by living in it.”
The intentional environment and passion that teachers like Señor Blease bring to the classroom have not gone unnoticed by students. Yareli noted that her French teacher, Madame Mabra, has made a major impact by moving beyond memorization and grammar drills. “We spend time doing activities while practicing the grammar we learned. By the fourth year, it’s full immersion in the classroom.”
Promoting engagement within the classroom is built on a pedagogical philosophy dubbed by Señor Blease as the “three F’s”: Firm, Fair, and Friendly. “It’s about setting boundaries, being consistent, and showing students you truly care. When they feel safe and respected, they take more risks, and they grow.”
For many, language education can be a full circle journey. Señor Blease’s path to becoming a language teacher was shaped by personal passion and family inspiration. After a life-changing study abroad trip to Spain and a realization that science wasn’t his calling, he pursued a degree in Spanish and a master’s in education. But it was his older sister Gina who left the deepest impression. “She was a superstar with Spanish, she even won a trip to Mexico after the National Spanish Exam,” he shared. “Even after she suffered a brain hemorrhage at 16, her love for Spanish remained an inspiration. It’s been 35 years, and she still motivates me every day.”
As the school year nears its end, the students who sat for the Seal of Biliteracy test will carry much more than a credential into the future. They leave with a broader understanding of the world, a deeper pride in their roots, and a skill set that transcends borders.
In the words of Señor Blease, “This is more than language. It’s about people. It’s about understanding and empathy. And it’s about building bridges. One word at a time.”
