As 11th graders in the spring of 2024, Indiana Area Senior High School seniors Max Duffee, Wynston Farrington, and Charlie Weber organized a non-partisan voter drive and voter education effort at school. Their work earned a Governor’s Gold Award For Civic Engagement for the second straight year at Indiana Area Senior High School.
This award is presented annually by the Pennsylvania Departments of State and Education. Indiana is one of only 18 schools in the Commonwealth to earn the distinction of a Governor’s Gold Award and one of only 10 schools in Pennsylvania to earn the award in both 2023 and 2024.
The Gold Award is presented to schools where 85% of eligible students are registered to vote. Duffee, Farrington and Weber helped register an impressive 90.24% of the eligible members of the Class of 2024. To be eligible to register to vote, a student must be a US Citizen, a resident of the district for at least 30 days, and 18 years of age (or 17 years of age and will be 18 on or before the next election).
As everyone knows, the right to vote is one of our most important civic responsibilities, and it is a right that Duffee, Farrington, and Weber take seriously. They talked to their fellow classmates about the importance of voting, reviewed the voting process with them, and then helped them register to vote. They sat down one on one with any students who needed additional information and walked them through the process.
Social Studies teacher Matt Neil said “We are proud of the efforts of the young people who are fulfilling their roles as citizens, leaders, and community members, and we know that they are going to make a big impact on our community, state, and country!”
The Indiana Area School District is also proud of the teachers, especially Social Studies Department faculty including Neil, William Doody, and Michael Tshudy, who are not only educating our students but are fostering and encouraging such a high level of civic engagement.
Superintendent Rob Heinrich also shared praise for the students and teachers involved, saying: “The entire district is so proud of the work these students have done and are grateful for the support and guidance that their teachers have provided. The mission of the Indiana Area School District is ‘to provide supportive and engaging educational experiences that prepare students to be productive citizens who positively impact society.’ This recognition is a great example of one way we are fulfilling that mission! Congratulations to all on a job well done! Don’t forget to vote on November 5th!”