The Orange County Department of Education recently celebrated local school districts and their students for championing civic learning at its annual OC Civic Learning Celebration.
More than 100 people gathered at the OC Holocaust Education Center on April 24 to hear students from elementary through high school present civic engagement projects they completed over the past year. The event also recognized students who completed OCDE’s Civic Learning Pathway.
“The OC Civic Learning Celebration showcased the power of student voice and the promise of a generation ready to lead with purpose,” said Marika Manos, OCDE’s history and social science manager. “We are grateful to the students who shared their stories, inspired action and made this celebration a memorable reflection of civic learning in Orange County.”
Judge Lindsey Martinez of the Orange County Superior Court opened the event with a keynote on uplifting communities through civics, followed by the student presentations.
Schools offering the Civic Learning Award Pathway were also recognized for their efforts to prepare students to contribute to a healthier, more informed society. Principal Yolanda Meija of South Junior High — an honoree and recipient of last year’s Civic Learning Award from California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero — reflected on the value of civics education for young learners.
“Educating students about civics not only deepens their understanding of democratic processes but also empowers them to become engaged, thoughtful leaders who contribute meaningfully to their communities,” Meija said.
To learn more about civics education and how to implement it, visit OCDE’s Civics Learning website for a wealth of resources.