Huntington Seniors Eligible for Seal of Civic Readiness

The New York State Seal of Civic Readiness is a special designation placed on the high school diplomas and transcripts for graduating seniors who qualify for the recognition. Huntington High School seniors are invited to work toward earning this special distinction.

“The Seal of Civic Readiness is a formal recognition that a student has attained a high level of proficiency in terms of civic knowledge, civic skills, civic mindset and civic experiences,” according to the State Education Department.

The special seal placed on a diploma and recorded on a transcript “shows the student’s understanding of a commitment to participatory government, civic responsibility and civic values; demonstrates to universities, colleges and future employers that the student has completed an action project in civics and social justice; and recognizes the value of civic engagement and scholarship,” the SED website states.

Huntington High School students interested in pursuing the Seal of Civic Readiness should reach out to department chairman Joseph Leavy at his high school office or by sending him a message at jleavy@hufsd.edu. Seven faculty members are working with students pursuing the seal.

To qualify for the seal, a student must complete all diploma requirements along with earning a total of six points with at least two of the points in civic knowledge and two points in civic preparation. Students may also earn points by completing a middle school or high school Capstone project.

More information can be found at this link: https://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/seal-civic-readiness

“Since the program began, students have produced exceptional work,” high school social studies teacher Debora Balducci said. “The program has grown a great deal in this past year and we look forward to seeing how the students can enhance their civic engagement as well as their ability to gain a deeper understanding of their community.”

Huntington students can review potential points with their assigned faculty advisor. They can then identify a goal to complete a civic or service learning project, extracurricular program, work-based experienced or Capstone project.

Students should plan to meet with their faculty advisor once or twice. They should also meet with Mr. Leavy, the department chairman for a review of their record sheet and to confirm the points they have registered. Students can work on their civic experiences through April.

By May or June they should have completed all of the requirements for the seal. “This is a golden opportunity for students to improve their civic mindset,” Mr. Leavy said.

For more information, send a message to Mr. Leavy at jleavy@hufsd.edu.

Senior Logan Apelsinov recently interviewed Mr. Leavy about the Seal of Civic Readiness initiative and its value in the lives of students.

“It’s important to note that Huntington UFSD was one of the first schools to initiate the program and it has grown from 19 students in 2023 to 50 students in June 2024,” said Mr. Leavy, who expects it to grow again by 50 percent or more in 2025. “Students who accomplish the seal and in doing so also achieve the capstone designation become leaders of leaders.”

Mr. Leavy believes it’s important to “have a serious program and opportunity for students to grow and demonstrate civic readiness.”