HONOLULU – Waianae High senior Javen Towne was named the winner of the Hawaii State Department of Education's (HIDOE) Seal of Biliteracy logo design contest in front of his fellow graphic design students this morning.  As the winner, Towne was awarded an honorary Seal of Biliteracy medallion of his own design and a $150 check.  Towne's classroom, home to Waianae High's Searider Digital Media Program, will also receive a new graphics arts computer valued at approximately $2,500.

"Winning this contest is really cool because whenever someone wins the Biliteracy award, it'll be my logo and design on it," said Towne.  "It's cool to know that students statewide will be getting this award and everyone will see it."

The Seal of Biliteracy is to be awarded upon graduation to students who demonstrate a high proficiency in either of the State's two official languages, English and Hawaiian, and at least one additional language, including American Sign Language.  The program encourages students to be college, career, and community ready in a global society and establishes an educational culture that recognizes and values the wealth of linguistic and cultural diversity that students bring to the classroom. 

Towne's design incorporates the Hawaiian Islands, a book representing literacy, a globe symbolizing all languages and a laurel bringing them together as one.  The Hawaiian text "Ka Palapala Hōʻoia I ka Paʻa o ʻElua ʻŌlelo" and English text "Hawaiʻi Seal of Biliteracy" round out the outer edge of the design.

The Seal of Biliteracy logo design contest was open to public school juniors and seniors enrolled in a Graphic Arts, Digital Media or Visual Arts course.  The winning design will be featured on the HIDOE website, social media platforms and other mediums.

The Hawaii State Board of Education (BOE) established a Seal of Biliteracy in BOE Policy 105-15.  24 other states and the District of Columbia have approved a statewide Seal of Biliteracy.  For more information, please visit HIDOEʻs Seal of Biliteracy webpage.