19-02-2025
APS high school seniors make history by earning State Bilingualism-Literacy Seal
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Two Albuquerque Public Schools made history and are now getting special recognition for their proficiency in the Navajo language.
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Shock and excitement is what those APS seniors say they felt learning they're the first APS students to pass an intense exam earning the prestigious State Seal of Bilingualism. 'I didn't even know if I was ready yet but I guess I proved everyone wrong,' said Hallie Cornfield, APS student.
Albuquerque seniors Hallie Cornfield from La Cueva High School and Kaylee Bahe from El Dorado High School are now the only two APS students ever to receive a state bilingualism-literacy seal in Diné.
'We let our teacher know that we wanted to go for the bilingual seal since no other student has been accepted to get it or like, they haven't passed the test to get it,' said Kaylee Bahe, APS student.
The two students practiced for days to prepare for the difficult oral exam created by the Navajo Nation. To prepare they say it was a combination of watching videos and speaking with family members.
'I was very excited for them because both of them were very doubtful that they did well and when I was told that they passed the test, I was ecstatic for them,' said Shannon Johnson, Bilingual Coordinator, APS
The students say they've practiced the language in their homes since childhood but they say many of the technical aspects of the language they didn't learn until high school.
'It's not the end of the world if you can't find any native speakers in your proximity. I mostly use the internet to help me and that's helped me a whole ton,' said Cornfield.
'I think it is pretty difficult here in Albuquerque since it's an urban setting. But for me, I think I try my best to go to Native events and meet with Native advocates, and that's kind of where I felt a strong hold in trying to relearn my language,' said Bahe.
While proud of their accomplishment. the two admit there's much more to learn about their roots. 'And to really just learn how to appreciate our culture and our family and our language,' said Bahe.
In a couple of months, the two students will be heading off to a formal ceremony in Flagstaff, AZ where they'll be honored for receiving the state bilingual seal alongside students from Arizona and Utah.
APS says they are looking to recruit more Navajo language teachers to continue teaching students in the Indian Education Department.
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