CITY OF INDUSTRY – Hacienda La Puente Unified schools have been honored with the 2022 Civic Learning Award by Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, recognizing programs, classes and individuals for engaging students in civic education.

The awards were presented on April 27 to elementary, middle and high schools at three levels – the Award of Merit, Distinction and Excellence. Orange Grove Middle School was one of three schools presented with the Award of Distinction. The Award of Merit recognized 20 recipients, including Sparks Middle School and Sunset Elementary School; both schools have received the honor numerous times in recent years. In addition, La Puente High School was one of three schools to receive an honorable mention.

“Thank you to our amazing Hacienda La Puente Unified teachers, staff and administrators for discovering innovative ways to provide community-based educational experiences for our students,” Board President Jeffrey De La Torre said. “These honors represent our District’s ongoing dedication and successful efforts in developing leadership and civic identities for our future leaders.”

The Civic Learning Award was launched in 2011 as part of the Civic Learning Initiative, which is supported by statewide partnerships that help revitalize democracy by providing civic classes, summits and outreach programs that promote access to justice in California.

Orange Grove Middle School was lauded for their continuing practices of the Six Pillars of Character, Ocelot United- Community Service Club and law-related education program, Project LEAD. Each school was celebrated for its extraordinary dedication to civics through partnerships with community members and campaigning on community issues to effect change.

“Congratulations to our outstanding students, teachers, staff and administrators on receiving this remarkable honor at not one but four of our Hacienda La Puente Unified schools,” Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez said. “Our District is committed to implementing civic engagement, focusing on community issues and providing our students with the knowledge, skills, values and confidence to be active citizens and cultivate positive change.”