Link to award ceremony, held on June 9, 2022 at the RI State House: https://youtu.be/jSrIHxP21w0
The League of Women Voters of South County is pleased to announce this year's recipients of the 15th annual Susan B. Wilson Civic Education Merit Awards. Hanna Resseger of SouthSide Elementary Charter School of Providence has earned the Grand Prize; Kate Ray of Cranston High School West, Cranston, has earned the Jury Prize; and Thalia Wood of Toll Gate High School, Warwick, 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 Thursday, June 9, 2022. Recipients, their families, colleagues and students were present, as well as the award evaluators and officers and members of the League of Women Voters.
During the welcome, Christine Martone, President, League of Women Voters South County, remarked “ The League believes that learning about the fundamentals of good government and the responsibility of each citizen begins in our schools. For students of today to become tomorrow’s leaders, civics education is essential. It is the most effective means to better understand and eventually take ownership of our democracy.”
Jennifer Wood, Esq., Executor Director at RI Center for Justice was the keynote speaker for this event. In her remarks she noted:
“It is an honor for me to be part of recognizing the extraordinary efforts of Rhode Island educators who inspire and encourage students in their civic engagement and civic learning. For four years I have represented courageous Rhode Island students and their families who believe so deeply in the importance of civics that they have represented all public school students in litigation to fight for improvements to civics in the schools. Without educators like the Susan B. Wilson award winners we cannot achieve the improvements these students hope for.”
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.
Further information about this award as well as a brief biography of Susan B. Wilson, a founding member of the League of Women Voters of South Kingstown/Narragansett, is available on The League of Women Voters Rhode Island website's Wilson Awards webpage:https://my.lwv.org/rhode-island/15th-annual-susan-b-wilson-awards
