At Erskine Academy, a student-led Cinco de Mayo celebration has grown into much more than an annual fiesta. What began four years ago as a creative way to raise funds for classroom activities and supplies has evolved into a celebration of language learning, student leadership, and a growing commitment to earning the Maine Seal of Biliteracy.
Under the guidance of Spanish Teacher and Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator Celina Page, Erskine Academy has expanded opportunities for students to demonstrate their Spanish language proficiency and receive recognition for their accomplishments.
In 2025, three Erskine Academy students earned the Maine Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. By the 2026 graduation, that number had tripled, with nine students earning the distinction.
Page hopes to see participation continue to grow, not only in Spanish but in other languages as well.
Building Language Proficiency and Celebrating Achievement
Erskine Academy offers four levels of Spanish instruction, including two college-level courses, and participates in the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Spanish Honor Society). These opportunities encourage students to develop advanced language proficiency while deepening their understanding and appreciation of Spanish-speaking cultures.
The Maine Seal of Biliteracy provides an additional opportunity for students to demonstrate and celebrate their language skills. By recognizing students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language, the Seal honors multilingualism as an academic achievement and an asset for future educational and career opportunities.
To help make this recognition more accessible, Erskine Academy students organize an annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta that raises funds to support Seal of Biliteracy assessment fees.
A Fiesta Powered by Student Leadership
The annual fiesta brings together language learning, creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. Students take ownership of nearly every aspect of the event, drawing on their individual talents and interests to make the celebration a success.
Students create colorful piñatas to raffle, prepare and sell tacos, perform songs in Spanish, play musical instruments, and DJ music in both Spanish and English. Others lead Just Dance activities, decorate the event space, and manage finances.
The celebration provides an authentic opportunity for students to apply their language and communication skills while developing leadership, organizational, and collaborative skills.
The students’ enthusiasm also extends beyond Erskine Academy. Each year, they donate piñatas to a local school, where they share a song and dance performance before helping younger children participate in a traditional piñata activity.
Through these experiences, students share their learning with the broader community and serve as role models for younger learners.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Multilingual Learners
Erskine Academy’s growing Seal of Biliteracy program demonstrates how meaningful learning experiences, student initiative, and educator encouragement can create a culture that values multilingualism.
The annual fiesta offers students more than a fundraising opportunity. It gives them a shared purpose, a chance to celebrate their developing language skills, and an opportunity to contribute to their community.
As more students pursue the Maine Seal of Biliteracy, their achievements are helping inspire younger students to set their own language-learning goals.
The Maine Department of Education celebrates the accomplishments of Erskine Academy’s Seal of Biliteracy recipients and recognizes the dedication of Celina Page and her students in building a program that connects language proficiency, student leadership, and community engagement.
