HCS awarded Civics Seals from Governor Lee
Posted on 08/11/2021
HCS awarded Civics Seals from Governor Lee

Chattanooga, Tenn. (Aug. 11, 2021) -- Governor Bill Lee honored 15 Hamilton County Schools (HCS) with Civic Seals on Wednesday, August 11, 2021.
“Tennessee is invested in providing all our students with a high-quality civics education,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “Civics education is an essential part of any democracy and equips students with the knowledge and tools to responsibly engage as productive citizens within their communities. We are proud to see so many districts and schools engaging in this essential instruction for our students.”

McConnell Elementary was chosen as the host school where Governor Lee unveiled the Governors Civics Seal design today. This seal recognizes schools and districts that prioritize teaching the nation’s history and civic values.

"We see a direct correlation between high-quality civics education and voter participation,” said Assistant Majority Leader Ron Gant. “Governor Lee and our legislature are committed to ensuring McConnell Elementary School's success in civic engagement can be replicated across the state, and the next generation of Tennesseans will be the beneficiaries of these programs."

The 15 Hamilton County Schools receiving the Governors Civic Seals and recognition on their State Report Cards are:
- Battle Academy
- Central High
- CSLA
- Hixson Middle
- Ivy Academy
- McConnell Elementary
- Ooltewah Middle
- Red Bank High
- Sale Creek M/H
- Sequoyah High
- Signal Mountain M/H
- Soddy Elementary
- Spring Creek Elementary
- Thrasher Elementary
- Tyner Middle

“I am appreciative of the work of our great teachers and leaders in providing high-quality civics instruction,” said Dr. Bryan Johnson, Hamilton County Schools Superintendent. “It is an honor to be recognized by Governor Lee and we look forward to continuing to add to the list of schools that have earned this distinction.”

Schools receiving the Governor’s Civic Seal must incorporate a variety of learning plans across multiple grade levels, instruction on the nation’s democratic principles and practices, real-world learning activities, and more.

"Our school has worked tremendously hard to focus on providing exceptional civics and history instruction to ensure our students are prepared when they leave our doors,” said Ruth Pohlman, Principal, McConnell Elementary School. “Thank you to Governor Lee and Commissioner Schwinn for hosting this exciting announcement at our school and also investing in civics education and preparing our students for postsecondary success.”