News Release
Yerba Buena High School Honored with Civic Learning Award
SAN JOSÉ, California (November 4, 2026): The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara congratulates Yerba Buena High School on being named a recipient of a 2026 Civic Learning Award, recognizing the school’s outstanding commitment to civic education and student engagement.
The school celebrated the honor on October 26 with a special program highlighting civic responsibility and the important role young people play as informed and engaged members of 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 exemplary civic education efforts in California public schools since 2013. The award spotlight programs that provide students with meaningful opportunities to learn about government and democracy and apply that knowledge through service, school governance, and community engagement.
Held in the Yerba Buena High School Theater, the celebration brought together students, educators, families, and community leaders around the theme of informed civic participation. Principal Lyra Hua highlighted the school’s Warrior PRIDE framework and its emphasis on empowering students to make a positive impact in their school and community.
Clay Hale, Social Science Department Co-Chair, reflected on the significance of the recognition:
“Applying for the Civic Learning Award gave us an opportunity to reflect on the civic learning experiences we have intentionally built for our students at Yerba Buena High School. Our students identify local issues that matter to them, research public policy solutions, engage with their community, and develop civic literacy skills. The Civic Learning Award validates the work our Social Science Department has done to make civic engagement a meaningful part of every student’s education and reflects our commitment to equipping students with the civic tools they need to participate in our democracy, both during and after high school.”
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Julia Alloggiamento, Chair of the Court’s Community Outreach Committee and Vice Lead of the Power of Democracy Initiative, delivered keynote remarks about civic engagement.
“Each of you can be an advocate right now,” Judge Alloggiamento told the students. “We use the term advocate for lawyers who represent one side or the other, but I am using it more broadly. As an advocate, you can fight for what you believe in and stand up for those who may not have a voice. This includes writing to your city and state representatives about community issues, speaking out on school policies, or standing up against bullying for your peers.”
Following her remarks, students participated in a lively question and answer session on civics, the justice system, and the role of the judicial branch. Judge Alloggiamento then administered an oath of leadership to student leaders from the Associated Student Body and School Site Council, underscoring the connection between responsibility and service to the school community. School and district Leaders were subsequently presented with the Civic Learning Award of Merit.
The event also featured remarks from Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong and Tuan Nguyen, representing Assemblymember Ash Kalra’s office. Closing reflections encouraged students to remain actively engaged in their communities and recognized the educators, mentors, and families who support civic learning and leadership development.
Kimberly Zepeda, a12th grade student who helped organize the event, shared her perspective on the experience:
“Helping organize this ceremony taught me that our voices truly matter, and when we use them to bring people together, we have the power to inspire and spark a positive change. I was able to experience powerful messages that inspired me to use my voice."
The Court commends Yerba Buena High School’s students, educators, and school leaders for their dedication to civic learning and encourages continued opportunities for young people to connect classroom learning with meaningful participation in their communities.
For more information about the Civic Learning Awards, visit www.powerofdemocracy.org/civic-learning-award.
