More than half of the graduating seniors in Wantagh High School’s Class of 2023 earned the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness on their diplomas. The new initiative was launched for the 2022-23 school year.

The program, endorsed by the New York State Education Department, provides formal recognition to students who have demonstrated that they are civically knowledgeable and have the requisite skills and experiences to be actively engaged citizens. Among Wantagh’s most recent graduating class, 134 students earned this recognition through projects and coursework that they completed.

The Seal of Civic Readiness:

• Shows a 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 or social justice; and
• Recognizes the value of civic engagement and scholarship.

The distinction appears on both their high school transcripts and diplomas. To qualify for the seal, student must attain six points by completing a variety of requirements, including at least two points each for civic knowledge and civic participation. They can accumulate points by earning four credits for core social studies courses, achieving mastery level on social studies Regents exams, enrolling in advanced social studies courses, completing a research project, earning credit in courses that promote civic engagement and doing a service-learning project, among other options. 

“This is not only an excellent honor and achievement for Wantagh’s graduating class, but also a testament to the dedication, creativity and civic-mindedness of our teachers of social studies,” said Director of Humanities Julie Rosslee.