Students at Bolsa Grande High School are leading the charge in civic engagement, supported by the Orange County Department of Education in their pursuit of the State Seal of Civic Engagement.
Since its establishment in September 2020, the State Seal of Civic Engagement has become a beacon for active citizenship, encouraging students to excel in civic learning, community involvement and understanding of democratic principles.
“We live in a democratic republic and students have to understand that they are going to be the ones that are going to make the changes out there in the world,” Jason Milius, a social science teacher at Bolsa Grande High School, said. “The goal here is to take that first step in civic engagement, in making changes to their community to make the world what they want it to be.”
In support of this mission, the Garden Grove Unified School District campus is sending 10 educators to OCDE’s OC Civic Learning Institute on Thursday, April 25 at the OC Holocaust Education Center in Newport Beach. The celebration aims to amplify students’ voices through civic learning and engagement, while highlighting the impressive achievements students throughout the region have made to better their communities.
The free event will also convene local dignitaries and experts who are developing criteria, identifying pathways and designing curricula for students to earn the state seal in their district. Guests are set to include OCDE Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes, California Courts Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and Presiding Superior Court of California Judge Maria Hernandez.
Orange County schools have a rich history of excellence in civic education, exemplified by their continued dominance in acquiring the state seal. In the 2022-23 school year alone, nearly 3,900 local students earned this distinction, marking a significant 20 percent increase from the previous year. The achievement is reflected on transcripts, diplomas or certificates of completion.
“I am awe-inspired by educators who will actively shape democracy through efforts to support informed action,” Dr. Marika Manos, OCDE’s history and social science manager, said. “I am hopeful for a future where students feel seen, heard and can make a difference in their communities.”
OCDE’s Media Services team captured a few highlights of Bolsa Grande High’s civic learning efforts in the video above.