The event was a culminating experience for the students in their work to obtain the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness. To earn the seal, students must demonstrate both civic knowledge and civic participation in both their coursework and community service. As part of the process, they were asked to identify a real-world problem or concern, conduct research, engage in thoughtful discussions about possible solutions, and present their findings.

The 18 students in the Class of 2025 will be the first in Jamestown High School’s history to obtain the seal, which was introduced by the New York State Board of Regents ahead of the 2022-23 school year.

“Civic readiness is the ability to make a positive difference in the public life of our communities through the combination of civic knowledge, skills, and actions,” said Christopher Scarpine, JPS arts and humanities coordinator. “Through our wide variety of course offerings, extracurricular activities, and the expertise of our faculty, we are fortunate to have already had a strong foundation to help impress these qualities upon our Jamestown High School students. Now, with the Seal of Civic Readiness, we’re proud to formally recognize their efforts and growth in this area.”

Students presented on a variety of topics including single-use plastics, homelessness, declines in extracurricular participation, upkeep of local parks, soil erosion on school grounds, job opportunities for teenagers, student parking, accessible spaces, public transportation, and more.

JHS senior Conner Dean delivers his civics project presentation on giving back to JHS teachers and staff at the Robert H. Jackson Center. Dean is one of the first 18 JHS seniors who will graduate with the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness.

Students who will obtain the seal are: Anthony Blakeslee, Jarren Cotter, Conner Dean, Nilla Ecklof, Ashlyn Galeazzo, Nolah Hamilton, Zoe Haskins, Belle Johnson, Kate Kathman, Brighton Lumia, Emma Olson, Braelyn Peterson, Lauren Prynn, Reagan Powers, Jolee Schultz, Kayamara Strudwick, Efstathios Theofilactidis, and Madeleine Woodruff.

In addition to Scarpine, JPS and JHS administrators and faculty members who helped guide the students in their process, in addition to Scarpine, were: Allyson Smith, Bradley Peterson, Ashley Noon, Tage Hall, Elizabeth Rowe-Baehr, Jason Kathman, Alex Kyler, and Jenna Johnson.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for the thoughtfulness, research, and courage they demonstrated in tackling real-world issues through their civics projects,” said Allyson Smith, principal of Jamestown High School. “The Seal of Civic Readiness not only honors their academic work, but also highlights their potential to be engaged citizens who lead with purpose and compassion.”

JHS senior Jarren Cotter delivers his civics project presentation on soil erosion at the Robert H. Jackson Center. Cotter is one of the first 18 JHS seniors who will graduate with the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness.