HARRISBURG, PA — Thirty-six high schools in Pennsylvania have been honored with the Governor’s Civic Engagement Awards (GCEA) for their efforts in registering students to vote during the 2023-24 school year. The awards, announced by the Pennsylvania departments of State and Education, recognize schools that have excelled in promoting civic participation among their student bodies.
Eighteen schools achieved Gold Level Awards by registering at least 85 percent of their eligible students to vote. Another eighteen schools earned Silver Level Awards for registering at least 65 percent of their eligible students. In total, around 160 students played a key role in registering more than 3,300 of their peers, earning their schools these accolades.
“These prestigious awards celebrate the efforts of Pennsylvania high school students to register their eligible classmates to vote and to hopefully launch them on a lifelong habit of voting,” said Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt. “Engaging the next generation of voters is crucial to the future health of our representative democracy.”
The importance of these awards extends beyond mere recognition. By encouraging young people to participate in the electoral process, these initiatives aim to foster a culture of active citizenship. Voting is a foundational element of democracy, and these students are setting a precedent for their peers and communities.
In addition to the school awards, 20 students from across the state received Student Poll Worker Awards. These students not only participated in voter registration events but also served as poll workers on Election Day in November. Their involvement ensured that community members could cast their votes and have their voices heard.
“Those students who served as poll workers on Election Day helped ensure that members of their community could cast their vote and make their voices heard,” Schmidt said.
This initiative comes at a crucial time, with significant elections on the horizon. “With only months left before a pivotal election, it is more important than ever for young people to get ready to vote and to make their voices heard,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “This year’s GCEA winners understand that democracy is not a spectator sport, and their hard work will have an impact not just in Pennsylvania – but across the nation.”
The focus on youth engagement in voting has broader implications for the political landscape. Young voters have the potential to influence election outcomes significantly. By empowering students to take an active role in the democratic process, Pennsylvania is investing in the future of its representative government.
The virtual awards ceremony will be livestreamed at 10 a.m. on May 29 via the Department of State’s social media channels and pacast.com. This event will celebrate the achievements of these young civic leaders and highlight the importance of voter participation across the Commonwealth and beyond.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.