Lakewood High School continues to rank among communities with high rates of young voter registration, thanks in part to a tradition led by the school’s social studies department: the annual Celebration of Voting.
The event gives eligible students the opportunity to register to vote while learning about civic engagement. Held in the school cafeteria, the program is organized by social studies teachers, who help collect and submit voter registration forms.
Each year, the event creates an energetic atmosphere for seniors as they prepare to become active participants in American democracy. Lauren Flynn, a teacher in the social studies department, reflected on the importance of encouraging civic participation at a young age.
“I hope students take away from this that it is important to go vote because their voice matters,” Flynn said.
Students entered a cafeteria decorated with streamers, balloons and a large balloon display spelling out “VOTE.” At each seat was a pocket Constitution provided by the League of Women Voters, which included all amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Students then listened to guest speaker Cindy Strebig, a Ward 3 representative on Lakewood City Council and a member of the League of Women Voters.
Strebig began her speech by introducing the seven Lakewood students who won the Mary Warren Impact Scholarship, honoring Kathy Kosiorek. The seven winners were Erin Boyer, Csenge Sundem, Isabella Lester, Gwen Hongosh, Gaby Carr, Lydia Koons, and Gus Orlando.
The recognition of these bright individuals highlighted the strong intersection between academic achievement, community leadership, and financial empowerment for the next generation. One of the scholarship recipients expressed how much this moment and the award meant for her future goals and her personal journey toward independence.
“It is a good feeling knowing that women have become more financially independent than previous generations, and the Mary Warren Scholarship is helping me achieve this,” said Lydia Koons.
Strebig emphasized the importance of voting and civic engagement for all students.
“Every vote is important … every single voter is important, and the sooner that you can get started voting and understanding why it’s important, the better it is for our community,” Strebig said.
After the speech, students moved to the lower section of the cafeteria to complete voter registration forms. To register, students needed identification and the last four digits of their Social Security numbers.
Once students submitted their forms, they were given the opportunity to engage with several community organizations. Students were able to speak to representatives of the League of Women Voters Lakewood Chapter, who discussed absentee voting and creating voting plans for college students living away from home.
Students also participated in a mock election organized by the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, featuring lighthearted questions about favorite pizza and ice cream spots to help familiarize students with the voting process.
Students additionally had the opportunity to speak with the Tri-C Democracy Fellows program.
After participating with one of the organizations, students received “I Voted” stickers that could be exchanged for free pizza and cupcakes. Students ended the event enjoying patriotic red, white and blue cupcakes with friends while celebrating their first steps into civic participation and American citizenship.
