‘Our language is alive’ Record 22 students honored with Seal of Bilingual Proficiency

Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

BÉÉSH HÁÁT’I’ – In a celebration of language and culture, outstanding students from across Diné Bikéyah received the Navajo Nation Seal of Bilingual Proficiency during an April 4 ceremony at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort in Twin Arrows, Arizona.

Navajo Times | Robert Bettis
Colton George of Piedra Vista High School wears his Pendleton honor blanket after receiving his award, dedicating his achievement to his late mother who inspired his language journey.

The honor recognizes their exceptional ability to speak, read, and write in Diné Bizaad, marking their dedication to preserving the Navajo language for future generations.

Navajo Times | Robert Bettis
Monument Valley High’s LaMarcie Clark is honored as the school’s first-ever recipient of the Navajo Nation Seal of Bilingual Proficiency, marking a historic achievement for her Utah community.

The program, hosted by the Department of Diné Education, recognizes graduating high school seniors who demonstrate fluency in reading, writing, and speaking Diné Bizaad. Administered each spring by DODE’s Office of Standards, Curriculum, and Assessment Development, the rigorous assessment evaluates students’ language proficiency, with successful candidates receiving the seal near the end of the school year. The program underscores DODE’s commitment to preserving and revitalizing the language for future generations.

To read the full article, please see the April 10, 2025, edition of the Navajo Times.

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