At Maȟpíya Lúta High School, a remarkable milestone has been achieved by five exceptional students: Esperanza Mendoza Rama, Josephine Stinson, April Knight, Julia Hughes, and Zuya Romero. These students have not only become the first at their school to receive the State Seal of Biliteracy but also hold the distinction of being the pioneers in South Dakota to earn this recognition specifically for proficiency in Lakota, their ancestral language.
The South Dakota Department of Education introduced the Seal of Biliteracy to celebrate and validate students’ mastery of multiple languages, emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity in an increasingly interconnected world. For these five students, mastering Lakota wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a testament to their commitment to preserving their heritage and culture.
Esperanza, Josephine, April, Julia, and Zuya not only met all the graduation requirements but also demonstrated a high level of proficiency in both English and Lakota, meeting the stringent criteria set forth by the DOE. Their dedication and hard work were recognized with a physical seal that will adorn their high school diplomas and a permanent notation on their academic transcripts.
Additionally, these students were enrolled in a dual credit course at South Dakota State University, earning 14 credit hours over the past 2 years. They also embarked on another groundbreaking initiative: the creation of the first all-Lakota podcast by students. This podcast, hosted on Maȟpíya Lúta’s website, serves as a platform for sharing stories, wisdom, and contemporary issues in Lakota.
Amanda Carlow their instrctor expressed immense pride in her students’ achievements, stating, “Esperanza, Josephine, April, Julia, and Zuya have not only excelled academically but have also embraced their language. They are role models not just for their peers but for all of South Dakota.”
The impact of their accomplishment goes beyond personal accolades. It signals a broader movement toward inclusivity and recognition of indigenous languages within the state’s educational framework. By celebrating the Lakota language through initiatives like the Seal of Biliteracy and the Lakota podcast, South Dakota is fostering an environment where linguistic diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated.
As these students prepare to graduate and pursue their futures, they carry with them not only their diplomas and transcripts adorned with the Seal of Biliteracy but also the pride of preserving and promoting Lakota language.
For more information about Maȟpíya Lúta High School’s initiatives and the Lakota language podcast, visit Maȟpíya Lúta’s Lakota Language Resource.