Prairie High School honored its multilingual learners on April 29 at the annual World Language Celebration. The ceremony was held in the Concert Hall and recognized students who have demonstrated outstanding proficiency and dedication to global communication.

The evening was a testament to the dedication of our students who have taken on the challenge of learning a new language in the classroom, as well as our heritage speakers who have committed to mastering English while honoring and maintaining their native languages.

For the 2025-26 academic year, Prairie High School celebrated remarkable achievements:

• 112 Students earned the Iowa Seal of Biliteracy across nine different languages.
• 14 ELL Students received the first ever ELL Legacy Cords.
• 18 Students received their German National Honor Society.
• 4 Students were recognized with medals and 11 with certificates for their performance on the National German Exam. 
• The Iowa Seal of Biliteracy program acknowledges students who exhibit exceptional language skills in English plus at least one additional language. To earn the Seal, students must demonstrate proficiency through standardized testing (the AAPPL test), which evaluates: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.

For the Iowa Seal, students must reach the I2 (Intermediate-Mid) level across all components. This distinguished achievement represents countless hours of study and cultural immersion—skills that are increasingly vital in our interconnected global society.

The event featured a keynote address by Erin Detterbeck, a former Persian Farsi linguist for the United States Air Force. She spoke to the students and families about the lifelong value of the Seal of Biliteracy and the professional advantages of being multilingual. Following the presentation of medals and certificates, students and their families enjoyed light refreshments and a time of community celebration.

This recognition not only honors academic excellence but also celebrates the cultural diversity that enriches the Prairie community. We are exceptionally proud of these students and their commitment to becoming true global citizens.