The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy

The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy is an award that recognizes high school graduates who attain high functional and academic levels of proficiency in English and another world language, in recognition of students having studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages.

To earn the Seal of Biliteracy students must meet all graduation requirements, earn a 472 or higher on the grade 10 ELA MCAS, and earn a score equivalent to or higher than intermediate high on an approved world language assessment.  

Congratulations to the following students who have earned the Seal of Biliteracy:

Alexis Briggs, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Dominic Cappuccino, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Isabella Da Silva, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in Portuguese.

Sarah Etre, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Emily Ferreira, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in Portuguese.

Jillian Greene, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Jinpei Holmes, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Luca Hyatt, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Noah Judelson, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Christopher Larosa, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Sarah Murray, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in French.

Allan Nguyen, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Livia Rugh, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Elizabeth Shields, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Isabella Zine, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy in French.

To earn the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction students must meet all graduation requirements, earn a 501 or higher on the grade 10 ELA MCAS, and earn a score equivalent to advanced low on an approved world language assessment. 

Congratulations to the following students who have earned the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction:

Olivia Lasnicki, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction in Spanish.

Griffin Paradise, who has received the MA State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction in Spanish.

Awards Night

School Spirit Awards

The School Spirit Award is given to two students who, in the opinion of classmates and faculty, contribute to fostering school spirit through their enthusiasm, positive attitude and concern for others both within and beyond the classroom.  The Sturgis Parents Association has donated a $500 scholarship to each School Spirit Award recipient.

Our first recipient of the School Spirit Award has been described as dedicated, compassionate, motivated and strong. She is always eager to take on new challenges and personal endeavors.  Her enthusiasm for life is contagious! 

From Mr. Morales - As a school leader and as an individual, this student is tenacious. Her energy, effort and care for others - what she does, and how she operates creates spirit in the building. She is a leader in most activities she participates in - and she participates in most everything - but her building of M.A.R.C.H. since her sophomore year has really shown her ability to lead not only her peers but her teachers, too. She improves every group she is a part of, and she has the courage and the skills to create a needed space if it doesn't already exist.

Ms. Lyons who coached this student said she is everything you would ever want in a leader - determined, encouraging, and a self-starter.

And finally from Ms. Ferguson, this student has been on a mission to make Sturgis the best it can be since she first set foot in the building in ninth grade.  She excels in creativity, positivity, courage, and the ability to embrace a concern and affect change--all qualities of a true leader.  We have all benefited from her energy and passion over the years, both in and outside the classroom.     

It is an honor to present the school Spirit Award (again) to Jinpei Holmes!

Our next recipient of the School Spirit award embodies this award with her enthusiasm and positive attitude. Always upbeat, she has an ability to empathize, relate and connect with others that is off the charts. Even in the face of adversity or challenge, Ms. Lyons said, this student still manages to put a smile on her face as well as everyone around her. 

Ms. Ferguson said the following about this student:

If there is light, joy, laughter, and energy in a room this student must be there. Who else exudes and propagates such genuine love for their school and its community?  Everything she does is from the heart, and people cannot help but take notice.  Whether it is being the "glue" in well functioning group work, spearheading a school event, or reaching out to a fellow student in need, this student has led by example and inspires others to make the world a kinder and happier place. 

It is an honor to present the School Spirit Award to Catie Raye!

William Sturgis Awards

Our final set of awards are the William Sturgis Awards.

The William Sturgis Award is given to two 12th grade students who, in the opinion of classmates and faculty, embody the positive attitude and exemplary conduct represented by the Sturgis Code of Conduct and Rules to Live By.  

It is considered the most prestigious Sturgis award.  

Like the School Spirit Award, the Sturgis Parents Association has generously donated a $500 scholarship to each award winner.

When asked to describe a few character traits of our first recipient, Ms. Ferguson described him as globally minded, deeply reflective, unfailingly polite and honest.  From the moment he virtually set foot at Sturgis during the pandemic, he distinguished himself as being every bit worthy of this award.  He has embraced the Sturgis experience and ethos wholeheartedly, from his unwavering pursuit of academic and intellectual excellence to his deep sensitivity and understanding of the human spirit, as exemplified both in and outside the classroom.  For example, he collaborated with the Falmouth Public Library to design and facilitate a Teen Creative Writing Summer Camp. His initiative and leadership embodies what it means to be a principled, caring student.  Ms. Rais described him as quiet and resilient, always serious yet always smiling. He never does anything unless it is done with excellence, with passion and beauty. A humble, soft-spoken leader, this student embodies the IB's mission to "create a better and more peaceful world."

Please join me in congratulating Dominic Cappuccino!

The next recipient of the William Sturgis award has distinguished herself as a model Sturgis student - she relentlessly pursues excellence in all aspects of her Sturgis life, not only in her academics, but in her interpersonal relationships as well.  

Ms. Ferguson said, when this student’s hand is raised one knows that what she is about to say will catalyze the discussion to a new level and invite others, via her quiet, unassuming example, to do the same.  She is a sharp and highly creative thinker.

Mr. Morales described her as a selfless volunteer in her community as is evident from her weekly visits to the Yarmouth Food Pantry. She is a consistent leader and willing contributor to the school's anti-racist efforts. She does all of these things with an unwavering humility. 

Ms. May described her as one of the most thoughtful, sweet, and intelligent students she has ever taught. She explained that this student started school her senior year with a complete and spectacular draft of her extended essay, which compared prisoner treatment in the United States versus Norway, and the effects of these systemic differences on the spread of Covid-19 through prison populations. She is clearly passionate about epidemiology, particularly the health of the disenfranchised. Her heart is enormous.

She always has a warm smile and greeting for everyone and infects all with her kindness, courtesy, and compassion.  Her big heart, combined with her keen intellect, make her the kind of positive change-maker the world needs. 

Please join me in congratulating Anna Kuznetsov!