17-04-2025
Civic education empowers students to be active in communities
'It's important to be civically engaged.' That's what an Indiana Area High School junior told our Joshua Byers at the second Democracy Bowl at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.
Students from seven school districts went head to head in a social studies competition that tested their knowledge of congressional acts, notable court cases, founding documents, treaties and amendments.
Representatives from the Bill of Rights Institute, the National Constitution Center and Fair Districts Pennsylvania also attended.
Chris Janson, the Bill of Rights Institute's senior project lead for civic learning initiatives, said he was inspired by the students' enthusiasm.
He told the students that civics education is not just about memorizing dates and reciting historic figures. It empowers citizens to be active members of their communities.
Students also presented civics fair projects that would improve the region's image. Among them were a project from Homer-Center School District students on addressing homelessness, which took first place; Greater Johnstown High School students' ideas for revitalizing the Hornerstown neighborhood playground; and Portage Area School District students' plans for building a pickleball court and expanding CPR training.
Mark Conlon, a Pitt- Johnstown professor and event organizer, described the bowl to Byers as bet- ter than his 'wildest dreams.'
And Portage teacher Tyler Johnson said, 'I think anytime we can get kids out of the building and engage them in those important subjects is a good way to show them how to take part in their communities after (graduation).'
We agree.
Pitt-Johnstown alum and Democracy Bowl donor Douglas Weimer is credited with helping to make the event a success with his generosity.
He said, 'It was a privilege to give back.'
