Learning another language opens doors of opportunity, whether that language be Spanish, English, Mandarin, Python, or any other. Becoming proficient with a 2nd language (or a 3rd or 4th) opens even more doors. VCHS students have a 2 or 3 year foreign language graduation requirement, but we desire when possible that they strive to go even further toward proficiency with another language.
With our Christian faith as a lens, I’m convinced that God not only loves each of us but loves the diverse mosaic of His human creation. I’m inspired when I read the Apostle John’s vision of heaven in the Book of Revelation - After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Jesus), clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. Think about that for a moment – from all languages. What a beautiful image!
We recently pursued and earned the honor to offer the VCHS Seal of Biliteracy through the Colorado Seal of Biliteracy for High School Diplomas, a recently developed program created by Colorado Senate Bill 17-123. However, VCHS standards are even more rigorous than the State’s as we also require:
· Community service
· Bilingual presentation
· Writing and speaking proficiency
The VCHS Seal of Biliteracy extends beyond Spanish to other languages. About a dozen VCHS students have already expressed interest in pursuing the diploma seal with these languages: Bulgarian, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish and Russian.
Steve O'Neil
Head of School
