March 10, 2026: Civic Voices in Action
Civic Learning Week is a time to recognize the important role education plays in sustaining our democracy. This week, the 做厙TV is proud to showcase student civic learning that reflects how young people across New York are growing into informed, engaged, and active citizens.
We are proud to present student work from two districts today:
School: Lake Shore High School, Lake Shore Central School District
Location: Angola, NY
Students: Jordyn Colvin (Class of 2025), Sophie Lehnen (Class of 2025), Sierra Steffan (Class of 2025)
Teacher: Sophie Chimera
Title: Food Waste in Schools
倏措梗娶措勳梗滄:泭
The following submission is from Lake Shore High School, part of the Lake Shore Central Schools, a suburban district located south of Buffalo, NY. This is a capstone project undertaken in a semester elective, Civics in Action.泭
Students in this class identify an issue that they are concerned about, conduct research about possible policy solutions, and then decide on their own solution and action plan involving some form of government action. In this project, students were concerned about food waste and the environmental impact it has. They wrote a grant request to the New York Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling to buy compost to recycle school cafeteria food waste. The compost will then be used to help cultivate our community garden (a project from the previous Civics in Action class). They were awarded a grant of $836, and are excited to get composting this spring.
Link to student created web site:
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School:泭Cairo-Durham High School, Cairo-Durham Central School District
Location:泭Cairo, NY
Students:泭Nia DeRose, Brenna Fabiano, Maggie Felton, Shannon Gavin, Madeline Gouza, Lily Haugh, Desiree Jenes, Gianna Lendin, Emily Moon, Destiny Mauriello, Bridget Murphy, Anna Palmieri, Alexandra Richens, Isaias Rivero, Ruth Romero, Kaitlyn Russell, Grace Snedeker, Candace Vlasaty, and Jacob Young
Teacher:泭Shelly Gouza, Social Studies Teacher
Title:泭"Mustang Hygiene Closet," "Bridges of Inclusion," "Backpack Program," and "Community Book Box"
倏措梗娶措勳梗滄:泭
Cairo-Durham High School is a rural public high school in Cairo, New York, serving approximately 330 students in grades 912 as the districts sole high school. The district has shared four student-led initiatives.
The first group is focused on expanding the Mustang Hygiene Closet to support students basic needs. Through their work, students applied civic knowledge by identifying barriers to student well-being and understanding how community partnerships can address those challenges. They engaged in civic action by collaborating with the National Honor Society, Callanan Industries, and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians to collect hygiene products. In addition, they gained civic experiences by writing a grant to secure sustainable funding for the closet. This project reflects a strong civic mindset rooted in empathy, responsibility, and a commitment to equity within their school community.
The second group, Bridges of Inclusion, is dedicated to fostering diversity and cultural appreciation within and beyond the school. Students demonstrated civic knowledge by examining cultural awareness, inclusion, and the needs of new and diverse populations. Their civic action included working with school administration to present lessons on different cultures at the elementary level, translating important documents for new students entering the district, and partnering with local restaurants to provide traditional foods that celebrate diverse cultures. They further expanded their civic experiences by collaborating with Student Council and class advisors to create a new liaison position to support incoming students. This work highlights a civic mindset centered on respect, belonging, and active participation in creating an inclusive school environment.
The third group expanded the Backpack Program to include middle school students, ensuring that no student goes hungry. Students applied civic knowledge by studying food insecurity and its impact on learning. Their civic action included collaborating with the National Honor Society during a food drive, organizing a Stuff the Bus event, and engaging community partners. They also gained civic experiences by working with Greene County legislators to write a grant to sustain the program long-term. This project reflects a civic mindset grounded in compassion, advocacy, and service.
The final group is working to create a community book box to foster a love of reading among students of all ages. Through this initiative, students developed civic knowledge related to literacy access and community engagement. They took civic action by partnering with Home Depot and organizing a book drive to ensure current, age-appropriate materials. Their collaboration with local businesses and community members provided meaningful civic experiences and demonstrates a civic mindset focused on lifelong learning and community enrichment. Collectively, these student-led projects exemplify authentic civic engagement and align clearly with the New York State Civic Readiness Framework. Our students are not only learning about civic responsibility but actively practicing it through leadership, collaboration, service, and advocacy.
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"Mustang Hygiene Closet"
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"Bridges of Inclusion"
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"Backpack Program"
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"Community Book Box"
