U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt once said "comparison is the theft of joy." I often share this notion, but I have found myself looking into finding graduation garb for my school's recipients of the Seal of Civic Readiness and Seal of Biliteracy. I have found no joy in a recent discovery.

According to page 41 of the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness Handbook, "[p]roviding seals or any graduation related regalia is not mandatory. However, this could be provided by either the BOCES or other entities or the component districts."

According to page 12 of the The New York State Seal of Biliteracy Handbook, "NYSED provides the official seal to be placed directly on student diplomas as well as the medallions for students to wear at graduation at no cost to participating districts. In addition, a certificate template is provided to schools to print for all Seal earners." The handbook also specifically states that "The medallion may be worn by students at their official graduation ceremony or other recognition events."

I am a proud member of the Seal of Civic Readiness committee at my school, and I've witnessed firsthand the dedication and hard work our students put into earning the Seal of Civic Readiness. This seal not only recognizes their commitment to understanding and engaging in civic responsibilities but also symbolizes a significant achievement in their educational journey.

However, despite their efforts, our students do not receive the tangible recognition they deserve upon achieving this milestone. Currently, there is no funding allocated for graduation medallions for those who earn the Seal of Civic Readiness. This lack of recognition is disheartening not only to the students but also to educators like myself who see the value and importance of acknowledging students’ achievements in a visible and meaningful way.

Graduation medallions would serve as a tangible symbol of a student’s dedication to civic engagement and readiness. These medallions could inspire younger students to strive for excellence, create a sense of pride and accomplishment, and encourage continued involvement in the community. It is crucial that the New York State Education Department (NYSED) steps up to support and motivate our students by funding these medallions.

According to a study by the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, students who actively engage in civic activities during their school years are more likely to continue participating in civic duties as adults. Recognizing these efforts with a medallion would be a small but powerful gesture.

Moreover, funding for medallions can be sourced by reallocating existing budget lines or through partnerships with civic-minded organizations and educational grants. Implementing this wouldn’t require vast resources but would make a significant difference in how we honor our students.

Let us come together to urge NYSED to take action. By funding graduation medallions for all Seal of Civic Readiness earners, we not only applause their efforts but also reinforce the value of civic readiness in education.

Please support this initiative by signing the petition, urging NYSED to allocate funds for the Seal of Civic Readiness medallions.