North Side School Students Explore Civic Engagement Through “I Voted” Stickers

(From left) North Side School students Collin Dorrian (Grade 2), Charlotte Thomas (Grade 4), Gianna Kortkamp (Grade 3), and Elliot Moon (Grade 3) proudly display their “I Voted” sticker designs.

By Williston Post Staff

Students at North Side School in the East Williston Union Free School District recently took part in a creative and impactful civic education activity—designing their own “I Voted” stickers. Timed with the district’s budget vote on May 20, the initiative aimed to bring the concepts of democracy and civic responsibility to life in a developmentally appropriate way for young learners.

The activity supported the K–4 Social Studies framework, helping students make real-world connections to their classroom learning. By engaging in a simulated voting experience, students gained a deeper understanding of how individual voices contribute to the decision-making processes within a community.

“As students learn about civic responsibilities, they begin to understand the role of voting in shaping outcomes that affect their lives,” said Erica Messier, K–12 Director for Social Studies and Real World Learning. “The ‘I Voted’ sticker project allowed them to actively apply these lessons in a meaningful and creative way.”

Although too young to vote, the students came away with a strong sense of how they can make a difference.

“This initiative fosters civic awareness and empowers students to recognize their future role in democratic processes,” Messier added. “It was a powerful reminder that even our youngest citizens can contribute to their communities.”

Photos courtesy of the East Williston Union Free School District

Original sticker designs created by Charlotte Thomas, Collin Dorrian, Elliot Moon, and Gianna Kortkamp.