OneClass: Celebrating Multilingual Excellence
We are excited to celebrate the remarkable achievements of 281 students who showcased their multilingual talents through the World Language Proficiency test. Representing an incredible 39 languages, these students exemplify the district’s commitment to cultural diversity and global readiness.
Altogether, students earned an impressive 902 competency-based world language credits, reinforcing the district’s mission to empower students with the skills they need to thrive in a multilingual world.
Among them is Kentwood High School senior Christopher Nava Ramirez, whose bilingual journey reflects the profound impact of language and heritage. Growing up speaking both Spanish and English, Christopher has used his skills to support his community, break down language barriers, and embrace his cultural identity.
Christopher grew up in a bilingual household, learning Spanish from his parents, while simultaneously acquiring English through his older brothers and school. “Being bilingual has really helped me,” Christopher shared. “There have been times during school events, like freshman night, when I’ve been able to step in and translate for parents who have questions but face language barriers.”
Balancing two languages was a natural part of his upbringing. While he primarily spoke English at school, he maintained his Spanish fluency at home. His parents encouraged his learning by having him read and write in Spanish, helping him develop literacy in both languages. “It makes me proud, and it makes them proud to know they did a good job teaching me about our language and culture.”
Being bilingual has shaped Christopher’s identity and provided him with opportunities to connect with a wide range of people.
Christopher also stays connected to his heritage through cultural celebrations, such as Día de los Tres Reyes Magos, where families share a special bread called Rosca de Reyes. “Whoever finds the baby Jesus inside the bread has to make tamales for the next gathering,” he laughed. He even brought this tradition to his drama club, where he serves as vice president, sharing the experience with his peers.
Looking ahead, Christopher plans to pursue a career as an audio engineer. He believes his bilingual skills will be an asset in the industry, where he anticipates working with a diverse group of artists and professionals. “It’s a lot easier to communicate with someone in their first language rather than them struggling to speak another language,” he noted.
" I'm not afraid to show my culture or where I'm from. Knowing two languages helps me communicate with people who might not speak English."
Christopher’s story is a testament to the value of bilingualism and cultural pride. His journey serves as an inspiration for students across the district, proving that language is not just a skill—it’s a bridge to deeper connections and future success.