Pictured, left to right: Chase McKenzie and Heidi Laupert, AHS Principal

Mr. Chase McKenzie, a graduating senior from Allegany High School, has earned his Seal of Bilteracy. Mr. McKenzie passed the Japanese ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) after having studied the language on his own, and earned his Seal of Biliteracy. This is a significant achievement for a student to do with a character-based language, such as Japanese.

“Earning the Seal of Biliteracy in Japanese is quite a remarkable accomplishment by Chase,” says Ms. Heidi Laupert, Principal of Allegany High School. “He is clearly equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful as he enters the Florida Institute of Technology, majoring in bioengineering. Chase affirms the value of diversity and languages in achieving this prestigious award.”

The AAPPL is a web-based proficiency and performance assessment of K-12 standards-based language learning. It evaluates language ability through interpersonal listening and speaking, presentational writing, and interpretive reading and interpretive listening.

The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy is a program that recognizes public high school graduates for attaining proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English. Recognition of these skills is shown by affixing a Seal of Biliteracy to the students’ diploma or transcript at graduation.

Ms. Laupert continues, “Allegany High School is extremely proud to have Chase as a 2023 Graduate and wish him the best in his future endeavors!”