Among those moving through the busy hallways of Salem Community High School, we find two seniors who stand out for their extraordinary linguistic accomplishments: Lauren Burge and Kennedy Finney, recipients of the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy. While many students aim for academic excellence, these two young women have set themselves apart, mastering not just their native English, but Spanish as well, earning accolades that have made both their families and their community proud.

Last year, as Juniors, Lauren and Kennedy both received the Seal of Biliteracy, a recognition awarded to students who demonstrate high proficiency in two or more languages. But for these two scholars, earning this award was just another step in a journey that reflects their hard work, commitment, and a dash of fun along the way.

“I think it all comes down to showing up and putting in the effort,” Lauren says with a modest smile. “We worked hard, but honestly, we just paid attention in class.” Lauren, who has decided to attend the University of Oklahoma, attributes much of her motivation to the utility of learning a second language. “Oklahoma wants four years of Spanish, and when I saw I could earn awards like this, I thought, ‘Why not?’ Plus, it’s pretty cool to have on my diploma.”

Kennedy, on the other hand, sees her bilingual skills as crucial to her future in the medical field. “I’ve always wanted to go into healthcare,” Kennedy explains. “Knowing another language will help me reach more patients, especially those who don’t speak English.” Her dream is to make a real difference in the lives of people she serves, and Spanish, she believes, is one of the keys to doing just that. Kennedy is weighing her options between Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Evansville, the latter of which offers a medical Spanish program— perfect for the career path she envisions.

Despite their different future paths, both Lauren and Kennedy credit Salem Community High School’s Spanish program for fostering their love of language. As they shared memories of classroom antics, favorite teachers, and the occasional struggle with verb conjugations, it was clear they share not only an appreciation for Spanish, but also a profound respect for the way it connects them to the wider world.

Kennedy’s commitment to Spanish goes beyond the classroom. She speaks fondly of a student at their lunch table who recently moved from Mexico and knows little English. “We try to include her in our conversations as much as we can,” Kennedy says. “We talk in Spanish and try to help her feel connected.” Lauren echoes the sentiment, emphasizing that learning another language isn’t just about grades or awards—it’s about building bridges.

Of course, their stories wouldn’t be complete without a little humor. Lauren, whose passion for meteorology is well-known among her peers, likens her language journey to predicting the weather: “Sometimes you’re wrong, but you keep trying, and eventually you get it right.” As a self-proclaimed “weather nerd,” Lauren has set her sights on the nation’s top meteorology program at the University of Oklahoma. “Ever since a hurricane hit while I was on vacation, I’ve been obsessed with the weather,” she laughs. “I even paid $10 for a special radar app. My friends think I’m crazy.”

Kennedy, too, brings her own unique flair. Though she was once active in sports like volleyball and basketball, she now balances her schoolwork with a part-time job at Chico’s. “Lauren comes in once a week for tacos,” Kennedy teases. “I don’t know how she does it with all her sports, though. I mean, she’s in tennis, basketball, and softball. It’s crazy!” The two share a laugh, exemplifying the close friendship that has grown alongside their shared academic pursuits.

As they prepare to graduate and move on to bigger things, Lauren and Kennedy are leaving behind more than just memories at Salem Community High School. They’ve set an example for their peers, showing that hard work, dedication, and a sense of humor can carry you far—whether that’s mastering a second language, pursuing a career in healthcare, or predicting the next big storm.

We’re lucky to have these two outstanding young women as representatives of our community. They may be heading in different directions—one westward to Oklahoma and the other east to Indiana—but their impact on Salem and the legacy they leave behind will last far beyond graduation day—in any language.