Photo Caption: From left: Michelle Huaman, World Language Curriculum Specialist and Jessica Mandes, Director of Multilingual Education, both for Worcester Public Schools, with Massachusetts Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez.
WORCESTER – Thursday, November 12, 2026 – Worcester Public Schools was one of only two districts statewide recognized with a distinction for its successful efforts at ensuring as many high school graduates as possible received the “Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy” while achieving certain equity benchmarks.
Worcester recently received the “Platinum Star Award” from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). It was presented by Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez to Jessica Mandes, Director of Multilingual Education and Michelle Huaman, World Language Curriculum Specialist, who accepted it on behalf of the district.
“The Worcester Public Schools remains committed to supporting students with earning the Seal of Biliteracy,” said WPS Superintendent Brian E. Allen. “Being fluent in more than one language is a true gift that opens the door to a lifetime of additional opportunities, while promoting cultural inclusivity. We are grateful that DESE and Commissioner Martinez are recognizing our staff and students for their efforts.”
Established in 2019, the State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language. The Seal celebrates students' language skills and highlights how knowing multiple languages can open doors to future education, careers and other opportunities.
This year marks the first time DESE has recognized districts for both the number of students earning the Seal and their efforts to make it accessible to students of all backgrounds and abilities.
Equity benchmarks measure Seal attainment among English learners, students who recently moved out of English learner status, students who were ever an English learner, and students with disabilities. DESE also awarded commendations to districts where notable numbers of college, career, and technical education (CCTE) students, multilingual students and students with disabilities earned the Seal.
Worcester Public Schools received the Platinum Star Award for having at least 200 students or 30 percent of the graduating class earn the Seal along with three equity benchmarks. WPS was commended for ensuring a certain percentage of students identified as “English Learners,” “Former English Learners,” and “Ever English Learners” received the Seal.
In total, 55 districts statewide were recognized for various levels of achievement toward student attainment of the Seal of Biliteracy.
WPS would like to thank the school-based coordinators who facilitate the Seal of Biliteracy program for their efforts: Ofelia Maskewich at North High, Jailene Muñoz at South High, Araceli Esqueda at Doherty High, Adriana Perez Sabido at Burncoat High, Monica Echevarria at Claremont Academy, Michelle Huaman (pictured above) districtwide and for alternative schools, and Yenilda Melendez at Worcester Technical High.
In a recent announcement, state leaders shared the following comments:
“Knowing more than one language is an incredible skill that opens doors for students in the classroom, in their careers and throughout their lives,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We want every student in Massachusetts to have the opportunity to develop these skills and be recognized for their hard work. Congratulations to all 55 districts and the students and educators who made this achievement possible.”
“The Seal of Biliteracy is an important way for students to demonstrate proficiency in multiple languages, and as we implement our statewide graduation requirements, we’re using it as a model for other seals of distinction,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “These districts are proving that students are ready to demonstrate mastery if given the opportunity.”
“As we prepare students for graduation and to enter our state’s workforce, we recognize the enormous asset that bilingualism is,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “The recognized districts have made a sustained effort to increase access to the Seal of Biliteracy so that more students have the opportunity to display their skills."