Three Kern high school seniors are being recognized for their achievements in community service. The students, Noami Garcia, Natalie Poon, and Justyn Shoemake, recently received the California State Seal of Civic Engagement. The State Board of Education awards the seal to California students who demonstrate excellence in civics education and participation, as well as an understanding of the Constitution and the democratic system of government.
The students demonstrated their commitment to community service with their participation in the Bakersfield Leaders in Life Conference. The program offers middle and high school students the chance to create, organize, and run an annual conference “by teens, for teens.” Students are involved in every part of the planning and execution process, overseen by adults who offer advice and direction. Students design workshops on a variety of topics, book motivational speakers, organize food and entertainment, and much more. The Leaders in Life Conference will be held March 14, 2024.
The students are the only ones in all of Kern County to be awarded the State Seal of Civic Engagement this year. They will be able to add the seal to their transcripts and diplomas as they submit their college applications.
“My civic engagement with Leaders in Life has provided an understanding of what it means to help out in my community as well as allowed me to gain leadership and life skills that I will value forever and continue to grow.”
— Natalie Poon, Centennial High School Senior
“Civic engagement is important to me because it gives me a better understanding of how to help the community and to help myself grow as a person with leadership skills and professional development skills.”
— Noami Garcia, Golden Valley High School Senior
“I’d like to also extend my heartfelt gratitude to my team of executives. Because of them I’ve received recognition, support, and I’ve made lasting friendships. He says his advisors and board members gave him the opportunity to be engaged and actively involved in the community.
— Justyn Shoemake, Bakersfield High School Senior
