The League of Women Voters of South County is pleased to announce this year's recipients of the 16th annual Susan B. Wilson Civic Education Merit Awards.  Heidi Lamb of The Grace School of Providence has earned the Grand Prize; Christopher Stanley, of Ponaganset High School of North Scituate, has earned the Jury Prize; and Serena Mason of North Kingstown High School of North Kingstown has earned Honorable Mention. 

In recognition of their achievements, an awards ceremony was held at the RI State House in the Governor’s Ballroom on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.  Recipients, their families, colleagues and students were present, as well as the award evaluators and officers and members of the League of Women Voters.  The Keynote Speaker was Sec. Gregg Amore.  Pictured are (L-R) Evaluator endawnis Spears, Grand Prize Winner Heidi Lamb, Evaluator Richard Martin, Honorable Mention Winner Serena Mason, Keynote Speaker Secretary of State Gregg Amore, Jury Prize Winner Chris Stanley and Evaluator April Dinwoodie.

The League inaugurated this award to honor teachers who have enriched their students' understanding of civic rights and responsibilities; have encouraged their students' civic participation; and have brought context and relevance to crucial events affecting the United States on a national, regional, statewide, or local level.

Heidi Lamb (L), Christopher Stanley (Top-R), Serena Mason (Bottom-R)

Grand Prize – Heidi Lamb, The Grace School, Providence

Ms. Lamb has contributed to an international and student-centered, multi-year approach that empowers students to be agents of change and betterment in their schools, communities, and on the state and national level. She prioritizes critical engagement with United States governance and incorporates justice and equity as meaningful components to civics. 

Jury Prize – Christopher Stanley, Ponaganset High School, North Scituate

Mr. Stanley moves the AP US History Program out of the classroom into the larger community where students experience history and civics firsthand. The current project “Where the Rivers Meet” stands as a multidisciplinary project between local organizations. Students worked hard to enhance the “place of public history at Ponaganset High School and surrounding communities.

Honorable Mention -  Serena Mason, North Kingstown High School, North Kingstown

Ms. Mason teaches a comprehensive and nuanced civics course that gives students the context and history they need to be informed and critical citizens. In addition to the coursework, students exercise their civic muscles by engaging with their community on democracy night. Ms. Mason’s multi-dimensional work in education is an important part of our state’s ecosystem of knowledge.