Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 15:44
Key Takeaways
South Junior High School in Orange County has been recognized with its second Civic Learning Award of Excellence, the highest honor in civic education within California. The award highlights the school's commitment to engaging students through innovative programs that blend traditional student government with modern gaming technology.
The ceremony took place on September 28 and was co-sponsored by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. Distinguished guests included judges from the Superior Court of Orange County, administrators from the Anaheim Union High School District, and members of the board of trustees. The event highlighted the school's ninth overall Civic Learning Award since 2016.
During the ceremony, forty students received official South Senate shirts and took their seats to discuss pressing matters affecting their peers. Guided by teacher Jason Collar, the group evaluated several campus concerns before voting to advocate for the installation of air conditioning in the gymnasium. This follows last year's successful campaign to install modern filtered water fountains across campus.
Following the selection process, Chief Justice Guerrero administered the oath of office to the newly elected senators. She shared her personal journey into the legal profession and emphasized the importance of leadership skills. Each student has the capacity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, Guerrero said. It is clear that you are all gaining the confidence and leadership skills needed to identify and solve issues that matter to you, to your school, and to the broader community.
Guests were then taken to an e sports classroom to observe the Civic Design in Minecraft Education program. Since 2023, South Junior High has integrated project based gameplay into its curriculum, allowing students to explore civic concepts through interactive digital environments. The initiative has proven so effective that it is now being replicated throughout the Anaheim Union High School District and in other counties.
Looking ahead, the Orange County Office of Education plans to host the Battle of the Counties in 2027. This statewide competition will bring together K to 12 students to investigate real community challenges and design solutions using Minecraft Education. More information about the upcoming event can be found at LevelUpCivicsFoundation.
The Civic Learning Award of Excellence is awarded by the California Supreme Court and courts across the state to recognize educational institutions that demonstrate outstanding civic engagement. Schools must showcase replicable programs that foster broad student participation in civic learning. South Junior High School's integration of gaming and student governance aligns with California's growing emphasis on preparing youth for active citizenship.
Civic education aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to participate effectively in democratic processes. By focusing on practical problem solving and leadership development, schools like South Junior High are helping to build a more informed and engaged citizenry for the future.
Principal Yolanda Mejia reflected on the dual awards, stating that the distinction speaks to the core identity of their institution. She emphasized that civic learning is not confined to a single classroom but is deeply woven into the fabric of the entire school. As the program expands regionally and statewide, South Junior High continues to serve as a model for innovative civic education.
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