Highland High School students in Christina Saylor’s Citizens in Action class have been making a meaningful impact through their capstone projects, each of which was designed to foster civic engagement and community connections.

These projects not only benefit the school and local community but also help students earn the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness—a prestigious distinction recognizing proficiency in civic knowledge, skills, mindset, and experiences.

On April 9, the students hosted a Civics Showcase to present the culmination of their efforts. The event provided a platform for the young activists to publicly share their projects—initiatives they spent the year planning, organizing, and executing. Each student’s work was evaluated by a panel of judges, who assessed the projects using a scale of “Did Not Pass,” “Pass,” “Pass with Honors,” and “Pass with Distinction.”

The projects tackled a diverse range of topics, from improving childhood literacy to promoting cultural awareness. Several students chose to focus on environmental issues, while others explored ways to support mental health. A few projects even raised much-needed funds for worthy organizations, including the Ulster County SPCA.

“These students took on real-world issues and turned their passions into action,” said Saylor. “Watching them grow as civic leaders and seeing the tangible impact of their projects has been incredibly inspiring.”

Students who met the requirements for the Seal of Civic Readiness will be honored with an official medal and a sticker on their diploma at graduation on June 26.

Congratulations to all the students for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to making a difference!