Another successful Civics Day for the San Juan School District
On September 29, San Juan School District held a Civics Day at San Juan High! Building on the success oft he 2025 event. San Juan School District continued supporting the innovative approaches to civics education. Jeff Winget, Wendy Haws, Brenda Whitehorse, Derek Begay, Devan Gosey, Marley Decker, and Georgina Simpson organized the event. They opened with San Juan High School students Braylyn Eddie, Lyvanna Benn, and Aaliyah Chief singing the National Anthem. Molly Hart welcomed everyone with a speech on the importance of civics education.
From 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., students from the San Juan School District were able to engage with community leaders, political candidates and parties, local government agencies, and government officials, including:
- SJSD School Board
- San Juan County Commissioner
- Navajo Utah Commission
- Forest Service
- Highway Patrol
- National Guard, Blanding City PD
- Utah State Representative
- Utah Senators
- Aneth and Blue Mountain chapter house members
The program continued the passport system, with students getting stamped as they completed each booth or panel session.
Booths were located throughout San Juan High School, filling Science and Math Hall, Social Studies Hall, Language Arts Hall, and the large old lobby leading to the library. Tables were filled with informational brochures, posters, pens, fact sheets, QR codes, stickers, and pins to engage students to interact with community members and government officials leading the booths. Discussions occurred about government, education, voting, political spectrums, and civil services.
Several 45-minute panels took place in the Little Arena Theater. Three panels spanned topics such as local government, public education, and Whitehorse civics innovation. Students participated in meaningful conversations on the panels' focus. Students noted the speakers were passionate about their topics, making it easier to immerse themselves in civic discussion and understand how civics is vital in society.
Utah State Senator David Hinkins returned as a closing keynote speaker. He spoke about how he never envisioned himself becoming a senator and why it’s so important to be involved in civics. Logan Monson, a member of the Utah State House of Representatives, talked about how the laws they pass affect everyone in the community and the importance of voting as they turn 18.
Both emphasize that students use critical thinking, stay informed on local issues, and question how decisions are made—because they are involved in civics, even if they don't realize it.