Fresno Unified is celebrating graduating seniors from Duncan Polytechnical High School who have earned the California Seal of Biliteracy, awarding medals at a special ceremony.

“Earning the Seal of Biliteracy is a meaningful accomplishment that equips our students to thrive in a global economy and enhances their appeal to employers who increasingly value biliterate, bicultural talent. I am incredibly proud of our students who have achieved this distinction,” said Superintendent Misty Her.

Ducan Polytechnical will host the celebration, honoring 69 students.

The Duncan students are among the more than 800 Fresno Unified students from the class of 2026 who have earned the Seal of Biliteracy.

The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English. The seal is affixed to diplomas, and students also receive medals.

Duncan will award the students on Thursday, May 21 at 2:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

Fresno Unified Touts Largest Cohort Yet

This year, 815 students have earned their Seal of Biliteracy — over 100 more students than last year.

Additionally, another 32 students are awaiting test scores to complete the seal requirements.

This is the largest number of students being awarded since Fresno Unified began granting the seal in 2011.

Across the district, students have the biliteracy distinction in various languages including Spanish, Hmong, American Sign Language and French.

Among them, one Edison High senior earned a Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and Hmong.

Benefits of Being Bilingual

The seal can greatly benefit students’ academic and professional lives.

There is growing demand for multilingual workers as jobs aimed at them more than doubled between 2010 and 2015. Also, since 2020, there has been a 30% increase in bilingual remote jobs.

Research shows that multilingual employees can earn 5% to  20% more per hour than those who speak one language.

Learning more than one language also boosts cognitive abilities. A study published by Northwestern University found that multilingual speakers process information faster and more efficiently, increasing their problem-solving and quick-thinking abilities.