Opelika High School and Opelika City Schools proudly recognized 16 seniors who earned the Alabama Seal of Biliteracy during Opelika High School’s annual Academic Signing Day on April 30. These students demonstrated proficiency in an approved English assessment and an additional language assessment and met all Alabama graduation requirements.

The initiative was made possible through the leadership and collaboration of OHS educators: ESL teacher Brenna Flowers, principal Kelli Fischer, French teacher Samantha Shipman, counselor and testing coordinator Meredith Vickers, and English department head Hannah Holladay.

“What these students have accomplished is remarkable! I want to draw attention to the name, "Seal of Biliteracy." These students don't just speak two languages. They can speak, read, write, and comprehend two languages at a proficient level. This marks these students as leaders within our diverse community. We are incredibly proud of them and are excited to see what they achieve,” said Mrs. Brenna Flowers.

Approved by the Opelika City Schools Board of Education at its meeting on January 28, this program encourages the study of languages, identifies biliterate job candidates, certifies biliteracy, and secures academic credits at colleges and universities. 

Each honoree received a medal and a certificate to commemorate their achievement.

Principal Fischer said, “I am incredibly proud of our students who have earned the Alabama Seal of Biliteracy. This achievement reflects their hard work and dedication and highlights the commitment of our faculty team, who worked tirelessly to make this opportunity possible. At Opelika High School, we are always looking for meaningful ways to prepare our students for life beyond graduation, and this recognition is just one more way we ensure they are equipped for success in an increasingly global world.

Pictured (L-R): Row 1: Angela Fernandez, YanSi Gabriel Perez, Dulce Hernandez, Nancy Marquirez, Valentina Arevalo Villegas, Frida Natalia Cruz Valdés, Mrs.
Kelli Fischer
Row 2: Ms. Emily Murray, Axnel Revilla, Kenneth Lopez Niz, Abelino Diaz Sales, Diana Hernandez Garcia, Marialys Cordones Rodriguez, April
Vega Sanchez
Row 3: Michael Merida-Gutierrez, Timoteo Knight, Franco Vasquez, Arabella Luna Trujillo, Mrs. Brenna Flowers