Stevenson Honored for Attention to Democracy

Stevenson High School is one of only five high schools in the state to be named an Illinois Democracy School, according to the high school’s Daily Digest.

The designation was made Sept. 17 — Constitution Day — by the Illinois Civic Mission Coalition.

Stevenson is the only school in Lake County honored this year. The four other selected schools are Maine East High School in Park Ridge, Carbondale High School in Carbondale, and two in Chicago: John Hancock College Prep and Josephum Academy.

“Democracy Schools are recognized for providing students with authentic experiences in the rights, responsibilities and tensions inherent in living in a constitutional democracy. Through these experiences, participating schools strive to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for informed, effective engagement in our democracy,” according to the Daily Digest.

Social studies teachers at Stevenson have led voter registration drives, hosted elected officials and candidates, and have partnered with local villages to create forums for student input on issues of importance.

In July, Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation spearheaded by Stevenson that will allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if their 18th birthdays are before the general election.