Students at Redwood may now be able to graduate with more than just a diploma. Juniors Everett Fredricks and Adriella Marcus are currently working with administrators to bring the California State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) to Redwood. The SSCE is a statewide initiative that rewards students who have a meaningful involvement in their communities.

The SSCE was adopted by the State Board of Education on Sept. 10, 2020, after the passage of Assembly Bill 24. According to the California Department of Education, “the State Board of Education (SBE) adopted criteria and guidance to award the (SSCE) to California public school students who demonstrate excellence in civics education and participation, and an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution and the democratic system of government.” 

If Redwood’s plan is approved, students who qualify would have the opportunity to earn a special embossed golden seal on their diplomas.

The push for the program at Redwood began earlier this year when Everett Fredricks first brought the idea of the SSCE to administrators.

 I felt like many students at Redwood were trying to become more involved in their community, but didn’t really know where to reach out,” Fredricks said. “If I were to bring [the SSCE] to Redwood, it would make it a lot easier for students to access community-based projects.”

Soon after, Adriella Marcus joined the effort, and the two have since worked together to build support for the plan and develop a proposal. Together, they have been in contact with district leaders and California seal representatives. 

Principal Dr. Barnaby Payne said the SSCE is a part of a growing set of diploma recognitions in California. 

“It’s a relatively new embellishment to the high school diploma in California,” Payne said. “There are already two graduation diploma embellishments in California, the first one is the Seal of Biliteracy, and the second one is the Golden State Seal of Merit. Civic engagement, arguably more important than ever, is that students really understand local politics, community service and civil discourse.”

The requirements are still being finalized, but Fredricks explained that students must meet the five general criteria to qualify: academic engagement, knowledge of the U.S. and California Constitutions, participation in civic projects, self-reflection on civic skills and demonstration of civic leadership traits. Then, local schools are responsible for creating a program that meets these standards but is tailored to their own student body. 

The approval process, however, extends beyond Redwood. Payne stated the proposal would ultimately go before the Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) Board of Trustees.

“Everett and Adriella are going to collaborate with one of the Board of Trustees members on developing a plan that would go before the Board of Trustees for approval,” Payne said. “It would be open to any [Tamalpais Union High School District] student [who] is interested in adding this to their diploma.”

If approved, Redwood students might see a chance to qualify sooner than expected. 

“I think if we’re living the dream that this is approved this year, our current senior class would be eligible,” Payne said. If not, I would definitely say by next year.”