HUDSON- Lillyana Resendes, Isabella Chamberlain, and Gracie Keller became the first graduates of the Civics Engagement Pathway presenting their portfolio at the showcase on April 1 and 2.
The Civics Engagement Pathway is a newly founded program at Hudson High directed by Mrs. Porter, a humanities teacher. 33 students are currently enrolled in the pathway.
In order to graduate from the pathway you are required to take three classes out of the list of classes that met the criteria for including civic engagement. Outside of school you have to stay civically engaged by volunteering and applying yourself around your community.
The senior girls presented their websites that compiled their civic engagement over their years at Hudson High. They also explained why they enrolled in the pathway, and how they have benefited from it.
“Showing appreciation for people is something that I find really important,” said Resendes.
Resendes’ presentation highlighted the ways she expanded her civic engagement and pushed beyond her comfort zone. She credited the pathway on building her persavering, collaborating, and public speaking skills.
“Through persevering, I’m able to present in front of all of you today,” said Resendes.
She included the spirit committee, the food pantry, and some of her classes as examples of diverse opportunities that she may not have exposed herself to without the pathway.
“I thought, through this pathway, I’m being encouraged to take classes I never would have before,” said Resendes.
Chamberlain’s presentation focused on her achievements and opportunities she attained through civic engagement. She also expressed her passion and excitement for being civically engaged.
“This is what I want to do in the future… getting a look into possibly my future was really nice,” said Chamberlain.
She reflected on her community service work and explained the lasting effects her experiences had on her. Chamberlain specifically detailed her trip to Africa where she shadowed nurses and learned about the unique problems being faced in Africa.
“Being able to experience that in person… it really impacts me in a different way,” said Chamberlain.
Chamberlain spoke on her future in civic engagement and presented the steps she took to try and fulfill her goal of being in politics. She detailed her experience dealing with rules in the high school and with government on the state level.
“This is what I want to do in the future… getting a look into possibly my future was really nice,” said Chamberlain.
Keller’s presentation included her community service which mainly focused on working with animals
and children. She explained how her work not only benefited others, but it also helped her learn about herself and her community.
“I got a lot of thanks for what I do, and that made it all worth it to me—that I got to share my experience of volunteering and everything that I’ve learned,” said Keller.
Aside from community service Keller spoke about her AP Government experience and the projects she completed in that class. Her group learned about the federal budget and the economic problem the nation is facing.
“So, through my federal budget situation, I learned a lot about the debt that our country has, and it helped me think more about what I want for our country and even just in our town,” said Keller.
