Monday, April 21, 2025
The Locust Valley Central School District welcomed New York State Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and State Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz for a civics roundtable discussion on March 28. The event, held at Locust Valley High School, aimed to highlight civic engagement among students and underscore the importance of educating the next generation about democratic responsibilities.
Joined by students, civic organizations, and district leaders from Cold Spring Harbor, East Meadow, Jericho, Hempstead, Massapequa, and Oyster Bay, the roundtable showcased Locust Valley’s innovative programs in collaboration with Operation Democracy. Notably, the Flags for Freedom initiative was featured, where every high school senior receives a U.S. flag and a copy of the Constitution while connecting with a veteran.
Lieutenant Governor Delgado emphasized the significance of civic education.
“It’s important for our young people to be here, because it’s about you, and about you understanding what it took to have the freedoms that we all celebrate today,” Delgado said. “Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, no matter your race, whatever the case might be, we’re all here free because folks before us sacrificed an awful lot.”
Blumencranz commended Locust Valley’s civic education model, citing their immersive approach to teaching democracy. He highlighted their recent participation in the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, underscoring the program’s impact in fostering a deep appreciation for freedom and civic duty among students.
“I saw firsthand what this program can do with even just a little bit more money,” Blumencranz remarked, referencing a $20,000 grant he secured to expand Locust Valley’s civics initiatives. “You are our next generation of leaders, and your voices matter to all of us.”
Lauren Themis, Board of Education President, expressed gratitude to Delgado and Blumencranz for their support and participation.
“History is something that brings us all together,” Themis said. “When we started programs that advocate for civics and the understanding of the history of our nation and abroad, it has brought people together in a way that we never could have expected.”
The roundtable provided middle and high school students with an opportunity to engage directly with state leaders, asking questions about government operations and civic responsibilities. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from students to active citizenship and informed participation in democracy.
About 100 students, educators, and community members attended the event, which was hailed as a success in fostering a deeper understanding of civic engagement and democratic principles among the youth.
For more information on Locust Valley Central School District’s civic education initiatives, visit LocustValleySchools.org.
