The Locust Valley Central School District proudly welcomed New York State Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and State Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz for a civics roundtable discussion on March 28. They were joined by students, civics organizations and district leaders from Cold Spring Harbor, East Meadow, Jericho, Hempstead, Massapequa and Oyster Bay. The event highlighted ongoing efforts to educate the next generation about civic engagement and responsibilities.
During the roundtable event, district officials presented the incredible programs already implemented in Locust Valley in coordination with local organization Operation Democracy, such as Flags for Freedom, where every high school senior receives a U.S. flag and a copy of the Constitution while getting to know a veteran, and their civics curriculum, where students of all ages learn about America’s role in World War II in wide-ranging lessons tailored to their age level. Middle and high school students had an opportunity to ask the lieutenant governor and assemblyman questions about their positions and the inner workings of government.
“It’s incumbent upon us as leaders, adults, teachers and educators to figure out how to be more intentional in channeling that power (civic engagement) and activating it in a thoughtful and constructive way,” Delgado said. “Having informed citizens take their responsibility to understand the truth and facts is a necessity when it comes to the sustainability of democracy.”
Assemblyman Blumencranz recently provided the district with a $20,000 grant to continue to grow its civics initiatives.