September 30, 2026

Dear Parents, Guardians, Students and Community:

At Hollister High School, learning extends far beyond the classroom. One of the clearest examples is the growing impact of the California State Seal of Civic Engagement, which recognizes students who demonstrate strong civic knowledge while taking meaningful action to improve their communities. Civic Seal Lead and Hollister High School counselor Heather Nichols recently presented the program’s 2025-26 annual report to the San Benito High School District Board of Trustees, highlighting how the opportunity has grown and how students are using service-learning experiences to make a positive difference.

The State Seal of Civic Engagement was established by the California State Board of Education to recognize students who demonstrate excellence in civics education and participation. At Hollister High School, students must meet academic requirements, demonstrate civic knowledge and complete meaningful service work that involves thought, participation and reflection on community needs. 

What began as an opportunity for a relatively small number of students has become increasingly embedded in the culture of our campus. In 2022-23, 31 Balers earned the State Seal of Civic Engagement. That number grew to 112 in 2023-24, 193 in 2024-25 and 172 in 2025-26. That growth represents much more than a number. It reflects hundreds of students choosing to serve others and address real needs in our community.

Some students organized book drives to promote childhood literacy. Others volunteered with local animal shelters, supported the Community Food Bank of San Benito County, mentored younger athletes, served at outdoor science camp or participated in health-related service opportunities through the Academy of Health Sciences. Those experiences help students connect what they learn in school with the responsibilities and opportunities that come with being active members of a community.

Hollister High has also worked to make civic engagement opportunities more accessible. The annual Community Service Fair connects students with local nonprofit and service organizations, and community partners have also visited Haybaler Support Time sessions to help students learn about volunteer opportunities. Students have been connected with organizations and opportunities including the San Benito Stage Company, Youth Alliance, Hollister Downtown Association, Pet Friends, Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, the San Benito County Elections Office and the Community Food Bank of San Benito County, along with youth mentorship opportunities. 

The program is also being introduced earlier in students’ high school careers. During 2025-26, ninth- and 10th-grade students were able to complete qualifying volunteer work and become “pre-certified,” putting them on a path toward earning the Civic Seal after successfully completing U.S. History in their junior year. That long-term approach reinforces an important message: civic engagement is not simply something students complete during their senior year. It can become part of their entire Hollister High School experience. Students who earn the Seal are recognized with certificates, graduation cords and the official State Seal insignia for their transcripts and diplomas. Hollister High also celebrates recipients through a Civic Seal luncheon and school recognition.

The program is positioned to continue expanding. Through the California Serves Grant Program, the San Benito High School District is slated to receive $472,199 from the California Department of Education to support service-learning and civic engagement opportunities and increase student access to the State Seal of Civic Engagement. Plans for this school year include monthly communications about service opportunities, professional development for teachers interested in integrating service learning into their classrooms, stronger collaboration with clubs and academic departments, improved tracking of Civic Seal recipients in Aeries and continued expansion of the annual Community Service Fair. 

The State Seal of Civic Engagement reflects what we want for every Baler: students who are academically prepared, connected to their community and confident that their actions can make a difference. By serving others, reflecting on community needs and putting their knowledge into action, these students are developing skills and habits that will remain valuable long after graduation. I also want to express my appreciation to Ms. Heather Nichols for her leadership and guidance of the State Seal of Civic Engagement program at Hollister High School. Her work has helped expand opportunities for our students, strengthen connections with community partners and inspire Balers to become more involved in serving and improving the community around them. Ms. Nichols and our Civic Seal recipients are another example of why every day is a great day to be a Baler!

Sincerely,

San Benito High School District Superintendent

Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum

Striving, Thriving, Shining Bright