Newfield Central School District proudly announces the launch of the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness, a distinction awarded to students who demonstrate strong civic knowledge, leadership, service, and a commitment to strengthening their community. Social Studies teacher Brandon Steinorth explained, “The Newfield School District has recently been approved to grant the Seal of Civic Readiness to seniors who meet the standards set by the New York State Education Department. The seal represents a students’ strong commitment to civic engagement, community involvement and education in their time at Newfield.”
Steinorth shared that students may pursue many different pathways to earn the Seal, including dedication in social studies coursework, community service hours, participation in extracurriculars tied to civic engagement, or a capstone project addressing an issue at the local, state, or national level. “The community is at the forefront of our mission at school, and likewise, the school is at the heart of our community,” Steinorth said. “This program will only help drive and solidify that partnership.”
That partnership is already visible through the authentic, student-led service projects happening throughout the district. Senior Sierra Lynch’s holiday Toy Drive began with a moment that moved her to act. “The idea of the toy drive came to me when I overheard a mother of two kids tell them that they would not be getting certain toys because their family couldn't afford it,” Lynch said. “It broke my heart to see the disappointment on their faces even though they pretended to be okay.” Sierra’s goal remains simple and sincere: “My mission for this project is simple, to spread kindness.” With support from local families, caregivers, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and the Ithaca ReUse Center, Sierra’s idea has grown into a community event to be held at the Newfield Fire Department.
Sierra’s work is just one example of how Newfield students naturally embody civic readiness. Seniors like Emily Taylor, who founded and leads the Newfield Community Clothing Closet, have created sustainable, ongoing systems of support for local families by collecting, washing, organizing, and redistributing donated clothing. Other students regularly volunteer for the Newfield Fire Department, the Newfield Food Pantry, the Kids Farmer’s Market, and the Newfield Recreation Department.
These projects draw strength from a school community that consistently encourages students to use their voices and take meaningful action. Liz Kozlowski, the National Honor Society Faculty Advisor shares “At Newfield, the Seal of Civic Readiness is more than just a graduation distinction; it is a reflection of the culture we are building within our hallways and our community. Our students are not waiting for opportunities to serve; they are creating them. They are not just students; they are active young citizens working tirelessly to make Newfield a better place.”
This year, the collaboration among NHS, the Junior Honor Society, and the Elementary Student Council has grown even stronger. Together, students from all three buildings are participating in the Newfield Giving Tree, collecting winter items to support local families during the holiday season. This is yet another example of how service is woven across grade levels.
The Seal of Civic Readiness also highlights the important work of our high school counselor, Rick Pawlewicz, whose guidance helps students connect academic learning with real-world impact. Mr. Pawlewicz has dedicated his time and energy for more than 30 years to ensure each student identifies the pathway that best allows them to shine. His efforts have long made Newfield a place where civic engagement is lived daily in classrooms and hallways. One way Mr. P engages students in civic readiness is through his work and leadership in the Sources of Strength group. Mr. Pawlewicz organizes fun and engaging activities for students district wide that focus on youth mental health and suicide prevention as part of his work with the group. Many of our Seal earners are long-running members of this group and have participated in the activities that Sources of Strength sponsors. Currently the group is sponsoring a Rock/Paper/Scissor challenge to bring awareness to the 988 suicide hotline. Another yearly tradition that Mr. Pawlewicz and students in the group organize is the Color Run.
High School Principal Ed Medina shared how naturally the Seal aligns with the strengths already present in our school. Medina stated, “adopting the Seal of Civic Readiness at Newfield High School just affirms the academic strength and civic leadership our students already show. Whether it’s the high-level work happening in our history and social studies classrooms or the service and peer-support efforts by our National Honor Society and Sources of Strength, our students are deeply engaged in the kinds of experiences the Seal celebrates. It’s gratifying to see this initiative reflect the great work that’s already happening here.”
As we launch this initiative, we look ahead with pride to celebrating our first Seal earners. Their projects, their leadership, and their willingness to act for the good of others remind us that civic readiness is more than coursework or criteria; it is the daily choice to make a positive difference.
Thirteen seniors are set to receive the Seal of Civic Readiness at graduation this year. Statewide, only one percent of seniors earn this distinction. Students who complete the requirements will receive a notation on their diploma and transcript, along with a red, white, and blue cord at graduation.
The community is also invited to take part in the spirit of service that defines this work. Sierra Lynch’s Toy Drive will be held Sunday, December 14, at the Newfield Fire Hall at 77 Main Street from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Newfield Giving Tree will accept donations from December 8 through 19. New or gently used hats, scarves, earmuffs, mittens, gloves, socks, and other winter items may be dropped off under the Giving Tree in the High School Lobby or at the Elementary School.
