Students at Pacific High School are learning that democracy is more than a subject studied in textbooks. It is something they can practice through leadership, service and participation in their communities. That commitment recently earned the San Bernardino school one of California's highest honors for civic education.
On September 17, Pacific High School students and staff gathered for a special assembly as Justice Corey G. Lee, Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two, personally presented the school with the 2026 California Civic Learning Award of Distinction.
More than 400 students attended the ceremony, which took place on Constitution Day, an occasion recognizing the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787.
"I'm not here simply to present an award," Justice Lee told the students. "I'm here to tell you that you are heard and your voice matters."
The message reflected the purpose behind the statewide recognition, which honors schools that make civic education a meaningful part of students' everyday experiences.
Sponsored by the California Department of Education and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, the Civic Learning Awards recognize public schools that help students understand democratic institutions, develop leadership skills and participate responsibly in their communities.
Pacific High School was one of only three schools statewide, and the only high school, selected to receive the 2026 Award of Distinction.
The recognition reflects a schoolwide approach that extends civic education beyond traditional classroom lessons. Students are encouraged to understand how government works while recognizing their own ability to address community concerns, participate in service activities and become informed, engaged citizens.
During the ceremony, Justice Lee administered the Oath of Leadership to three students serving as presidents of the school's service clubs, connecting the celebration to the responsibilities students already hold.
For Principal Dr. Natalie Raymundo, the award represents the combined dedication of students and educators who have worked to make civic learning an important part of the school experience.
"This award is a tremendous honor for Pacific because it reflects the work our students and staff are doing to make civic learning come alive," Raymundo said. "Our students are learning that they can help shape the world around them, that they have the power to make a difference and that they play an important role in their community."
The achievement is particularly significant because it is not Pacific's first recognition for civic education.
The school previously received California Civic Learning Awards in 2017, 2019 and 2020. This year's distinction marks the fourth time Pacific has been recognized, demonstrating a commitment that has continued across multiple graduating classes.
For Pacific senior Zeus Peñaloza Salas, one of the students selected to speak during the assembly, civic education has already influenced how he views his responsibilities.
"Civic learning has taught me to look around. To look at my school, my neighborhood and my community, and instead of asking, 'Who is going to fix this?' start asking, 'What can I do?'" Salas said.
He emphasized that students do not need to wait until adulthood to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
"Being a student is recognizing that we are already members of a community. That we already have voices. And we already have the ability to make a change in people's lives."
That perspective illustrates why civic education matters beyond school walls.
In San Bernardino, where decisions about neighborhoods, public safety, education and community resources affect residents every day, preparing young people to understand civic responsibilities can help strengthen future community participation.
Students who learn to examine public issues, listen to different perspectives and participate in constructive discussions develop skills that can serve them throughout adulthood.
The statewide award also highlights the important role public schools play in preparing students not only for college and careers, but also for citizenship and community leadership.
For Pacific High School, the September ceremony was both a celebration of past accomplishments and an acknowledgment of the responsibility that comes with recognition.
The students who gathered to hear Justice Lee's message will eventually pursue different careers, educational opportunities and personal goals. Some may become educators, business owners, public servants or community volunteers.
Whatever paths they choose, the lessons they are learning today can influence how they contribute to San Bernardino tomorrow.
Pacific High School's latest achievement serves as a reminder that the future of a community is shaped not only by the decisions of today's leaders, but also by the young people discovering that their voices already matter.