NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (RVO) by Cecelia Harmon – Matthew Green, an 11th grade RVHS student, was selected for the unique opportunity of being a part of the inaugural Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship. The fellowship was created by the conjoined efforts of iCivics and Generation Citizen; both organizations seek to provide high quality civics education for middle and high school students. This program accepted a dozen students from around the nation to learn about the current issues facing civics and civics education as well as gain the tools needed to resolve these issues. These students will then act as civics ambassadors to their schools and communities and be provided with unique networking opportunities. Over the course of a year, students will attend a gathering of fellows in Washington, D.C. and multiple online workshops, be involved with meetings with the Equity in Civics Steering Committee, and present a capstone showcase.

Students of the Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship *Photo courtesy of iCivics

Recently, Matthew Green traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with the other students selected for the fellowship and to attend a variety of workshops, learning about civics from different perspectives. While in the nation’s capital, students heard from experts in the field, including faculty members of American University and the Center of Education Equity of Teacher’s College; the students also visited the Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials and the Supreme Court building. The group also had the privilege of attending sessions at Georgetown Law as a part of the fellowship.

Green speaking with the director of iCivics – Matt Green – New Bethlehem PA

Mr. Green was nominated for this opportunity by Dr. Joseph Harmon, a civics teacher at RVHS. Dr. Harmon actively uses the resources iCivics creates in his classroom to enhance students’ civic capabilities. In addition to meeting the qualifications, Mr. Green had to provide answers to several essay questions including: “What Equitable Civic education means to You” and “What are Potential Issues with the Current Civic Education System”.

Supreme Court Building – Matt Green – New Bethlehem PA

In addition to this fellowship, Mr. Green stays very involved on the RVHS campus and in his community. He serves as Public Relations Officer of Bible Club, President of AV Club, Vice President of Future Business Leaders of America, Secretary for Tri-M Music Honor Society, Secretary for National Honors Society, and Public Relations Officer of Travel Club. Additionally, Mr. Green plays the trumpet in the RVHS Marching Band and performs in RVHS’s annual theatrical production. Mr. Green regularly attends the First United Methodist Church and is an active member of their AWAKE Youth Group. Mr. Green also serves as the Junior Chamber person for the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce and regularly volunteers with the Redbank Valley Church Association.

For more information about the Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship, please visit iCivic’s website:
https://www.icivics.org/news/icivics-hosts-inaugural-youth-fellowship-exploring-equity

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ABOUT:
Redbank Valley School District provides education services for the 165 square mile area of New Bethlehem and Hawthorn boroughs, and the townships of Mahoning, Madison, Porter, and Redbank of both Clarion and Armstrong counties.

MEETINGS:
The Redbank Valley School Board meetings the first Monday of every month at 7pm at the High School Library.

CONTACT:
For more information about the Redbank Valley School District, please call 814.275.2426 or visit RedbankValley.org/pg/biz/redbank-valley-school-district