Judicial Branch Recognizes Excellence in Civic Education During Constitution Week

During Constitution Week in September, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero visited Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep (NP3) Elementary School (Sacramento County) and Norwalk High School (Los Angeles County) to award each school with the 2026 Civic Learning Award of Excellence, the highest honor in civic education in California. Later this month, she will also present South Junior High School (Orange County) with the Award of Excellence.

Throughout the state, judicial officers presented the highest-achieving schools with Civic Learning Awards. A total of twenty-six schools received awards this year, highlighting exceptional civic education programs across the state.

This year, Constitution Week was observed nationwide from September 17-23. Multiple courts took advantage of this important observance to present schools with their awards.

In Riverside County, Rancho Viejo Middle School received the Award of Distinction, presented by Justice Carol Codrington and Presiding Judge Jacqueline Jackson. The program included student speeches, an ASB swearing-in ceremony, and the presentation of the Civic Learning Award. A representative from Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh's office also joined the celebration in recognizing the school's achievement.

Judge Jackson also presented Corona Ranch Elementary School in Riverside with an Honorable Mention Award. Judge Jackson presented the award before more than 100 students and joined them for a Q&A about the courts, the law, and the role of the judicial branch.

In San Bernardino County, Pacific High School received the Award of Distinction, presented by Justice Corey Lee and Presiding Judge Rodney Cortez.

NP3 Elementary School Achieves Excellence

This year marks the first time NP3 Elementary has received the Award of Excellence, building on a legacy of recognition across all NP3 campuses. The school's civic engagement programs include Civic Circles, which encourage students to identify issues and generate ideas for action, and "Work on Wildly Important Goals" action teams, tackling real-world issues through service-learning projects.

"At NP3, civic learning is not simply something our students read about, it's something they experience, and they practice," Principal Marcie Dart said.

"The moment you set foot on campus, you feel that this is a vibrant community of learners and leaders," Chief Justice Guerrero said. "The Civic Learning Award of Excellence honors schools that make civic learning a cornerstone of their mission. The students of NP3 Elementary have not only met this standard, they have exceeded it."

Administrative Presiding Justice Laurie M. Earl, Associate Justice Shama Mesiwala, and Sacramento Superior Court Presiding Judge Lawrence G. Brown joined in celebrating NP3's accomplishments.

Norwalk High School Leads the Way

Norwalk High School has made civic learning a core component of its school mission and has developed unique civic engagement programs. One notable program, the Government Speaker Series, is an initiative sponsored by the student Government Club and social studies teachers. The series brings government officials to campus to demystify working in government. The club has also sponsored an America 250 contest, a mock election, and a Constitution Day celebration.

"You are modeling exactly what we're looking for when we identify the top schools throughout the state to receive this distinguished award," Chief Justice Guerrero said. "You should be commended for developing a comprehensive curriculum, and a series of programs which encourage informed and active engagement."

At the ceremony, students met with Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia, Assistant Presiding Judge Ricardo R. Ocampo, Commissioner S. Paul Bruguera, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Cindy Pánuco, a Norwalk High School Class of 1999 alumna, State Senator Bob Archuleta, Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District board members, and Norwalk Mayor Jennifer Perez.

About the Civic Learning Awards

The Civic Learning Awards program recognizes schools that embed civic learning into schoolwide practices, including classroom instruction, student-led projects, service learning, and opportunities to take informed action. The awards are presented annually in September and are co-sponsored by the Chief Justice and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond.

More information is available at powerofdemocracy.org/civic-learning-award.