Byram Hills High School students are earning a prestigious new mark of distinction on their transcript and diploma: the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness.
The seal recognizes students for exceptional proficiency in civic knowledge, skills, mindsets and experiences, and symbolizes a commitment to participatory government, civic values and social justice.
“The Seal of Civic Readiness perfectly embodies our mission,” Principal Christopher Walsh said. “It’s a testament to some of the values we hold dear: responsible citizenship and leadership in the modern world.”
To obtain the seal, students must meet the requirements for a New York State local or Regents diploma. They must also demonstrate civic knowledge through social studies courses and civic participation through extracurricular activities, work- or service-based learning experiences, or civics projects.
Social Studies Chairperson Dr. Jennifer Laden said the seal is a way for students to distinguish themselves for their strong commitment to civic engagement.
“Our students really see the role they can play in making a difference in the lives of others and the importance of understanding issues in the community, how government works and the role they play as citizens in the world,” she said.
Twenty-two students earned the recognition in the fall.
"I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to be involved in and give back to a community that has given so much to me,” said one of them, senior Jon Manowitz. “I earned my seal in part through my participation on Byram’s Unified Basketball team, a really great program that embodies and promotes the core value of inclusion at Byram Hills through shared sports experiences."
Another senior who earned the seal, Allie Waxman, said: “Earning the seal is extremely important to me because I have a strong desire to make a positive difference in our world. Both civic engagement and civic readiness are key factors in society today because they contribute to changing the world for the better.”
Two students who earned the Seal of Civic Readiness are seniors Jonathan Manowitz and Allie Waxman.