In a moving ceremony that brought together educators, law enforcement, and community leaders, Seneca High School recently celebrated a group of exceptional students who earned the prestigious Kentucky Civic Seal. This event not only recognized the students' achievements but also highlighted the importance of civic education in shaping the future leaders of our democracy.

The Kentucky Civic Seal: Fostering Active Citizenship

The Kentucky Civic Seal program, a collaborative effort between the Kentucky Secretary of State's office and the Kentucky Civic Education Coalition, aims to recognize students who demonstrate outstanding civic performance. This initiative extends beyond the classroom, challenging students to apply their understanding of governance, democratic principles, and civic participation in real-world scenarios.

"The Civic Seal program is an opportunity for students to go above-and-beyond in demonstrating good citizenship," explained Dr. Daniela DiGiacomo, a University of Kentucky professor specializing in civic education, who attended the ceremony. The program encourages students at all levels—elementary, middle, and high school—to engage deeply with civic issues and reflect on their role in modern civic life.

“You have choice and power now in the world.”

— Brandon Riddle

From Classroom to Community: Seneca's Approach to Civic Education

At the heart of Seneca's success in the Civic Seal program is Mr. Brandon Riddle, a dedicated social studies teacher who led the civics class in their project. Mr. Riddle's approach to "lived civics" challenged students to consider how community and society should function in a democracy. He expressed gratitude for the involvement of Dr. Carly Muetterties, chair of the Kentucky Civic Education Coalition, who was instrumental in developing the Civic Seal program but was unable to attend the ceremony.

"You have choice and power now in the world," Mr. Riddle told his students, emphasizing the immediate impact they can have on their communities. This philosophy underpinned the class's "Taking Informed Action" project, where students addressed the pressing issue of gun violence through community engagement and the creation of a Public Service Announcement (PSA).

The students chose to work on limiting gun access for those in distress by supporting the Crisis Aversion and Rights Retention (CARR) Act in Kentucky's statehouse. They generated questions, researched the topic, evaluated diverse sources and perspectives, sought feedback from relevant stakeholders, proposed solutions, and produced a Public Service Message as part of their project. This comprehensive approach exemplifies how a successful social studies curriculum can empower students to become active and engaged citizens.

Law Enforcement and Education: A Powerful Partnership

The ceremony was graced by the presence of LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey, whose involvement in the project and friendship with Mr. Riddle underscored the importance of community partnerships in civic education. Chief Humphrey's powerful message, "Democracy only works if you are active in it," resonated with attendees, reinforcing the critical role of youth involvement in addressing community challenges. Chief Humphrey also offered words of encouragement: "Nervousness means you care." This sentiment perfectly captured the dedication and passion demonstrated by the Seneca students throughout their civic engagement journey.

The Impact of Civic Engagement

The ceremony also featured a video message from Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, further emphasizing the state-wide support for civic education initiatives. This high-level recognition underscores the importance of programs like the Kentucky Civic Seal in preparing students for active citizenship.

Perhaps the most touching moment of the ceremony came when Joe, one of the honored students, addressed his classmates. "You guys welcomed me to Seneca," he said before revealing that the experience had inspired him to change his career path. "I want to be a civics teacher because of you," Joe told Mr. Riddle, highlighting the profound impact dedicated educators can have on their students' lives.

Looking to the Future

As the Academies of Louisville continue to bridge academic instruction with hands-on experiences, programs like the Kentucky Civic Seal play a crucial role in preparing students for success beyond high school. The success of Seneca High School's students in earning the Kentucky Civic Seal is a testament to the power of engaged learning and community partnerships. As these young leaders move forward, they carry with them not just a certificate but the knowledge, skills, and passion to actively shape the future of their communities and our democracy.