The Porterville Unified School District 2nd Annual Civics Showcase on Wednesday at Porterville Military Academy showed the dedication and creativity of PUSD high school students. From the variety of projects students selected to cover, to their poise and professionalism, PUSD students have much to offer with their ideas.
Refreshments were made by Monache's Academy of Hospitality and Porterville High School Fabulous Studio Band entertained everyone while they looked at the students' board presentations before the students gave their civic engagement slide show presentations.
The board presentations covered a wide range of topics and were presented by high school students from Granite Hills, Monache, Porterville, Porterville Military Academy, Harmony Magnet Academy and Strathmore High School.
The Board Presentations addressed road maintenance in Porterville, Immigrant Rights Awareness and Resource Distribution, Improving Lunch Line Efficiency and Safety, School Parking, and Restroom Upgrades, Supporting At-Risk Youth, projects supporting Awareness for Coronary Artery Disease, Epilepsy, Blood Donations, Bullying, and The Lisa Project Child Abuse Prevention. There was also an Archival Display of Porterville High School, and a project about the availability of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables in the community.
After the social hour where visitors, school administrators, and local dignitaries looked at the board presentations and had refreshments, host Ahla Saleh, a Harmony Magnet Academy student, and 2024 SSCE Recipient, welcomed everyone. There was the presentation of the Colors by Porterville Military Academy cadets and the flag salute.
Dr. Nate Nelson, PUSD Superintendent, spoke to the assembled crowd, praising the efforts of the high school students and the great diversity of the student projects, as well as the way the students were able to contribute to the local community, and how they were learning and living out democratic ideals.
The students gave their slide presentations and spoke about promoting blood donations for health and healing, advocated for improved handicap parking and access on Main Street, and exploring the effects of student smoking on high school campuses. There was a research project about the history of Porterville High School and archives, and a project addressing drug use and the increasing access to treatment and prevention. Students spoke about epilepsy awareness and education to reduce stigma, spreading awareness of Child Abuse prevention through The Lisa Project as well as a much needed presentation on Fire Safety Awareness.
Ruhani Deswal, the 2024 PUSD SSCE Recipient and Z-Club President, and presenter of The Lisa Project at Porterville HIgh School received “The Young Women’s Leadership Award” from Porterville Zonta Club President Karen Vanni and Denise Marchant of the Porterville Chapter of the Zonta Club. Earlier in the evening, Deswal, said, “I wanted to bring The Lisa Project to PHS. When I heard it’s such a big issue, I wanted to raise awareness about child abuse with the students. And I found it important to bring attention to a marginalized issue, as it affects people from all walks of life.”
PUSD Curriculum Coach Emily Drum thanked the City of Porterville, and Porterville Interim Manager Jason Ridenour for all his support. “We are so grateful for our community partners. These students are just learning how to communicate better, and everyone’s support is greatly appreciated.”
During the evening, Porterville Mayor Greg Meister, spoke with Granite Hills students Linda Astoria, Valeria Ibarra, Artemis Lopez, and Iris Ceballos and gave them a Challenge Coin for their Pave The Way project, addressed the maintenance of roads in East Porterville.
Aiden Fernandez had a wonderful display of memorabilia from Porterville Union High School that was donated to him. And he said the community all come together through the high schools.
Rosalina Reyes, Brisa Estrella and Dariana Ceballos had their board project regarding proper school parking at Granite Hills High School. A visitor said, “I think it’s a great idea and I appreciate the student feedback, along with Principal Jacob Bowker, and AVID Teachers and Tiffany Ross.”
Students across Porterville Unified were congratulated by Nelson, PUSD Board President Lillian Durbi, Board Member Pete Lara, Jr. and they received the 2025 California State Seal of Civic Engagement as well as Certificates of Recognition from Meister and Porterville Vice Mayor Ed McKervey.