A southern Illinois school is in elite company, as students there are learning about how they can play a part in changing their world for the better.
The McCormick Foundation has named Shawnee High School a “Democracy School” – one of just 31 in the entire state. Students at Shawnee have worked over the past several years to advocate for levee improvements along the Mississippi River, and Junior Hunter Levan says he’s learned a lot about the democratic process as a result.
“You never realize how many rights go hand-in-hand, like how one can affect another. Just like, if you have the right to bear arms, well then, there’s also how wealthy you are, whether you can actually have that right.”
Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Director David Yepsen says this kind of hands-on civic education is critical to building the nation’s future.
“Getting students involved in civics, getting students aware of what’s going on, and then finding ways to make a difference. It’s called making them good citizens - and I’m really excited that Shawnee has been given this award.”
Shawnee’s students say they’re not done with the levee restoration project– they’re now working to make sure funding is set aside to get the work done.
They’re also getting started on a new Veterans Memorial for the High School, as well as other efforts to help both students and community members.
Carbondale Community High School was named a McCormick Democracy School last year. CCHS and Shawnee are now the only schools south of the Metro East to have the designation.
