News Release
August Boeger Middle School and Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary Honored with Civic Learning Awards
SAN JOSÉ, California (October 7, 2026): The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, congratulates August Boeger Middle School and Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary (IJAVVE) on receiving 2026 Civic Learning Awards of Honorable Mention. The awards recognize the schools’ efforts to help students develop civic knowledge, exercise leadership, and participate meaningfully in their communities.
Co-sponsored by California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, the Civic Learning Awards program has recognized achievements in civic education at California public schools since 2013. The program highlights opportunities for students to learn about government and democracy and apply that knowledge through service, school governance, and community engagement.
“I am so proud of our local Santa Clara County schools receiving this prestigious statewide recognition,” stated Judge Julia Alloggiamento, Chair of the Santa Clara County Court Outreach Committee and Vice Lead of the Power of Democracy (POD) Initiative. “POD’s goal is the ensure that all students K-12 understand civics and the importance of their voices and the power of their actions in their communities and beyond. This award celebrates those schools that have truly incorporated civics into their curriculum and culture.”
At August Boeger’s award celebration, Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Julia Alloggiamento presented the school with its Award, recognized students for their participation in Law Day, and administered the Oath of Office to the Student Council. The school received civic learning recognition for the second consecutive year.
“At August Boeger, we believe civic learning is about more than teaching students how government works. It is about helping them understand that their voices matter and that they have the ability to make a difference right now,” said Principal Raquel Topete. “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition for the second consecutive year because it reflects our commitment to preparing students not only to be successful academically, but also to become informed, engaged, and responsible members of their communities.”
The celebration connected the statewide recognition with students’ own experiences of leadership and civic participation.
“This ceremony was very meaningful to me because it not only represented my role as Student Council President, but also represented our school as a whole and what August Boeger truly stands for — student voice, leadership, and making a difference in our community,” said Scarlett J. Turpin, an eighth grader and Student Council President.
IJAVVE’s Honorable Mention also recognizes its commitment to civic learning. Their school assembly highlighted the students’ civic learning achievements and celebrated the school’s Civic Learning Award of Honorable Mention. Judge Alloggiamento also administered the Oath of Office to the Student Council, marking the beginning of the students’ service as school leaders. Together, the schools’ awards highlight the role educators and school communities play in preparing young people to become informed and engaged participants in civic life.
“Civic learning has become an integral part of our school culture at IJAVVE. Through student-led activities, service projects, leadership opportunities, and community involvement, we give students authentic experiences to practice citizenship, take responsibility, and make a positive impact in our school and beyond,” said Alyssa Friend, eighth-grade teacher and Student Council/Leadership Advisor.
The Court celebrates the students, educators, and school leaders whose work made these honors possible and encourages continued opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with civic participation.
For more information about the Civic Learning Awards, visit www.powerofdemocracy.org/civic-learning-award.