San Juan students put civics into practice at district event

Hundreds of San Juan School District high school students gathered at San Juan High School on Sept. 29 for Civics Day, where they learned about voting, government and civic participation.
Students heard from local and state leaders during panel discussions and asked questions of their own. They asked about improvement projects at San Juan High School, why Utah’s legislative session lasts 45 days, artificial intelligence and what the future may hold.
Participants included San Juan County Commission Chair Lori Maughan, Sheriff Lehi Lacy, Bureau of Land Management Field Manager Jacob Palma, state Rep. Logan Monson, San Juan School Board President Marianell (Nan) Bartonand state Sen. David Hinkins.
District Superintendent Dr. Christine Fitzgerald addressed students from high schools across the district. She said students need to understand how government works because decisions at all levels affect them and their families.
“We have students who can or will vote on the federal level, state level, city level, county level, their tribal nation, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, so their ability to impact what happens in this county is significant. Students need to learn what that means for them, because they’re a part of the community and what impact they can have long term, whether it’s just to vote or whether it’s to become more actively involved in a variety of ways.”
Dr. Molly Hart, Utah’s state superintendent of public instruction, spoke about the value of civic engagement, starting in students’ own communities.
“Community politics and community engagement is where it all starts, and really and truly state government is an outgrowth of what happens in your local community. It’s messy and it’s good that it’s messy. It’s supposed to be messy. Politics is supposed to hear a multiplicity of voices. Students and parents and community members need to come together. That is government. Government isn’t separate from the people. It is the people.”
In response to a student question, Hart said AI can be a useful tool but should not replace human thinking. Hinkins encouraged students to remember the value of skilled trades, suggesting those jobs may be less immediately affected by AI.
The event gave students a chance to practice civic engagement by asking leaders about decisions shaping their schools, communities and future.