Students, educators, judicial leaders and district representatives gather at Norwalk High School during the presentation of the 2026 California Civic Learning Award of Excellence as part of Constitution Month celebrations.
Norwalk High School marked Constitution Day with a special distinction this year, earning the 2026 California Civic Learning Award of Excellence, one of the state’s highest honors recognizing schools that prepare students to become informed and engaged participants in democracy.
The award, co-sponsored by California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, recognizes schools demonstrating an exceptional commitment to civic learning, student voice and community engagement.
Norwalk High School was formally recognized during a special presentation held as part of California’s Constitution Month celebrations. “Receiving the California Civic Learning Award of Excellence is a tremendous honor that reflects the dedication of our educators and the passion of our students,” said Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Superintendent Tania Magaña.
“Norwalk High School has created a culture where civic engagement is not only taught but actively practiced, empowering students to understand the power of their voice and the impact they can have in their communities. We are proud to provide meaningful opportunities for students to engage in civic learning, strengthen their leadership skills, and develop into informed, engaged citizens who are prepared to shape the future.”
Selected from a competitive pool of applicants from across California, Norwalk High School was recognized for programs that help students understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens while giving them opportunities to engage with public officials and participate in their communities.
Those efforts include the school’s Government Speaker Series, featuring elected officials and judicial leaders; the America 250 student contest, which asks students to explore the future of American democracy; and student-led activities through the Government Club, including mock elections and Constitution Day programs.
During the celebration, students also had an opportunity to hear directly from California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. “We’re all supportive of students,” Guerrero said during a student-led interview with Norwalk High School student Jessica Hernandez. “We know that they are the future, and it’s incredibly important that they know their voice matters in our democracy.”
For Norwalk High School ASB President Amina Ahmed, meeting the Chief Justice offered a powerful lesson about what young people can accomplish. “It was such an amazing opportunity today to sit and talk with Chief Justice Guerrero and learn all about her experience,” Ahmed said. “Her words definitely told us that we are just as capable as her. And even if we start small, we can build up and create change within our communities as well.”
The award also recognizes the work of the educators who have made civic learning an active part of the Norwalk High School experience. “It was really exciting today to see our students receive the Civic Learning Award of Excellence,” said Natalia Valadez, AP teacher and Government Club advisor at Norwalk High School. “It’s a testament to all the work our staff and students do on a daily basis.”
The celebration included members of the judiciary with special connections to the school and its civic education efforts. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Cindy Panuco, a 1999 graduate of Norwalk High School, said returning to recognize the students was especially meaningful. “It is such an honor to come back and honor them for the work they’ve been doing to change our community and become civically engaged,” Panuco said.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Sergio C. Tapia also praised the students and what their involvement represents for the future. “I’m so proud of the students,” Tapia said. “I look forward to seeing them grow, and I feel great about the future after listening to the wonderful students of Norwalk High.”
This year’s Award of Excellence represents another step forward for Norwalk High School’s civic education program. In 2025, the school received the California Civic Learning Award of Merit, demonstrating continued growth in its commitment to civic education and student engagement.
For Norwalk High School students, Constitution Day 2026 became more than an opportunity to learn about the nation’s founding principles. It became a celebration of their own role in carrying those principles forward and a reminder that civic participation does not begin someday in the future. It can begin in the classroom, on campus and within their community today.
