Norwalk High School officially received the 2025 California Civic Learning Award, one of California’s highest honors for excellence in civic education. 

This award celebrates schools that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to engaging students in civic learning and preparing them to be informed, active participants in our democracy.

Selected from a competitive pool of applicants statewide, Norwalk High earned the Civic Learning Award of Merit for its innovative efforts to empower students to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens and take an active role in civic life, reflecting a campus-wide commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world civic engagement.

NHS was proud to welcome the Honorable Paul Bruguera, the Honorable Cindy Panuco, and the Honorable Damaria Mercedes Diaz, who presented the award during a special assembly in the NHS gym. Judge Panuco — a proud Norwalk High alumna, Class of 1999 — also administered the oath of office to our ASB elected officials, Link Crew, and Renaissance leaders.

Norwalk High’s civic learning programs are guided by the leadership and dedication of teachers Natalia Valdez and Kathleen Wilson, who have worked to integrate civic education into meaningful student experiences. 

For more information about the California Civic Learning Award, visit https://www.powerofdemocracy.org/civic-learning-award.