(Sylvie Belmond | CLAIR – Simi Valley, CA) — Rory Dennert, a Royal High School senior, has earned national recognition for her work in civics education. She was named one of ten winners in the 6th Annual Civics Challenge, an online competition hosted by the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy. The challenge invites students in grades 6 through 12 to explore civics topics through essays, videos, or songs.
Rory’s project focused on Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. For her International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay, she examined why President Ronald Reagan selected O’Connor, concluding that her legal and legislative experience made her the best candidate for the role.
“In his Farewell Address, Reagan spoke about the importance of informed patriotism,” said Kevin Boerem, Rory’s teacher. “Through her research, Rory was able to draw her own conclusions about O’Connor’s qualifications and legacy.”
To bring her research to life, Rory created a video at the Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley. In “Why Her? An Exploration into Justice O’Connor’s Life and Legacy,” she recounts O’Connor’s path to the Supreme Court, highlighting key moments in her career and Reagan’s decision to appoint her based on qualifications and judicial philosophy rather than gender.
“Thank you to the Reagan Library for allowing me to film there!” Rory said. “Sandra Day O’Connor broke barriers, and I’m honored to highlight her story. I hope more Simi Valley students enter this competition in the future.”
A National Honor
Rory was one of ten students nationwide to win the competition. Other high school winners include Jonathan C., an 11th grader from Phoenix, Arizona; Maddox L., a 12th grader from Roswell, Georgia; Shai R., an 11th grader from Burlingame, California; and Tucker E., a 9th grader from Westport, Connecticut.
The middle school category winners were Hunter C., a 7th grader from Buffalo Grove, Illinois; Ilyannie G., an 8th grader from Tacoma, Washington; James F., a 7th grader from Phoenix, Arizona; Silas H., an 8th grader from West Chester, Pennsylvania; and Yuna J., an 8th grader from Moorestown, New Jersey.
Each winner received a $500 cash prize. The O’Connor Institute praised their creativity and dedication to civics, emphasizing that Justice O’Connor’s commitment to civic education continues to inspire future generations.
Local Ties to Civics Education
Royal High School and Simi Valley’s Sinaloa Middle School partner with the Reagan Library to promote civics education. For more information about the Civics Challenge or to view the winners’ projects, visit https://oconnorinstitute.org.
Rory’s video is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im8qAEAD_no.
For details about Simi Valley Unified School District programs, go to simivalleyusd.org
