Since 2010, SCOE's Instructional Support Services Division, in cooperation with local school districts, has made an award available to high school juniors and seniors that recognizes proficiency in English and at least one other world language. Called the Seal of Multilingual Proficiency, SCOE was the first county office of education in the nation to adopt the program. This year, 256 students - of which nine are from Hughson High School - will be recognized for earning the seal and can cite that achievement for college admission, scholarship applications and job resumes.

Students from Hughson to be awarded are: Kevin Barajas, Irisyomaira Garcia, Jorge Armando Gonzalez, Emily Jimenez, Elizabeth Llamas, Osbaldo Madriz, Daffne Perez, Arisvey Ramos and Mónica Yup-Chinchilla.

The recognition event is set for 7 p.m. this evening at the Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I Street, Modesto.

According to Debra Boggs, who oversees the program at SCOE, students must complete a highly rigorous process to demonstrate proficiency in languages. They must:

· Submit a LinguaFolio (a structured portfolio submitted by the student);

· Be interviewed in English and other language(s);

· Provide an on-demand writing sample in the target language.

"Being proficient in multiple languages enhances a student's education and value in the market place," said Superintendent of Schools Tom Changnon. "Our economy is tied to that of other nations, and Californians who can participate across international borders bring strength and potential to this State's global enterprises."