PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Two high school history teachers were recognized Monday for their commitments to educating students on their civic duty and empowering them to change the world.

Shannon Gormley, a teacher at Central High School, and Crystal Bozigian, a teacher at North Providence High School, were both selected to be this year’s Rhode Island Civic Education Teacher of the Year.

Both Gormley and Bozigian are history department chairs who teach a variety of civics-based classes.

“Civics matters to me because it is the foundation of our democracy,” said Gormley, who’s been an educator for more than 14 years. “It teaches us the importance of being informed and engaged citizens, advocating for social justice, and standing up for what is right. By understanding how our government works and how policies are made, we can actively participate in shaping the future of our country.”

“Receiving this civics award reaffirms my commitment to being an active and responsible citizen,” she continued. “It motivates me to continue learning about civics, advocating for causes I believe in and encouraging others to get involved in their communities.”

Gormley was nominated for the award by one of her students, who said she “always goes above and beyond to make sure every student feels valued, heard and seen.”

“I learned lifelong lessons [from Gormley] that I’ll never forget,” the student wrote when nominating her.

Bozigian, on the other hand, was nominated by a fellow teacher at North Providence High School.

“When I think of educators who are at the forefront of civics education, [Bozigian] is at the top of the list,” the teacher wrote. “Her involvement in politics and civics education has inspired me to become a better teacher.”

“Democracy is not a spectator sport and our students must understand their role to be informed, responsible and actively engaged citizens,” Bozigian explained. “Our students are our future and I am honored to lead and learn with my students daily in the classroom and throughout the community at large.”

R.I. Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green said Gormley and Bozigian “have both made a lasting impact on their students.”

“[Their] work demonstrates how a well-rounded civics education can empower students to make tangible, positive contributions in their community,” Infante-Green said.

There were six teachers nominated for the award this year, with the other four being East Greenwich High School’s Jody Mangiaratti and Robert Petrucci, Moses Brown School’s Abby Phyfe and Davies Career and Technical High School’s Ryan Hall.

The state’s first-ever Civic Education Teacher of the Year award was given to John Healey, a history teacher at E-Cubed Academy, last year.

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