Alleghany High School junior Elijah Halterman (second from left) collaborates with peers at the Civic Innovation Academy at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. The program, hosted by Civics Unplugged, brings together high school students from across the country to explore real-world solutions to pressing civic challenges. (AHPS Photo)

AHS Junior Helps Tackle Big Issues at Georgetown Academy Covington, VA (July 17, 2025) - Elijah Halterman, a rising junior at Alleghany High School, was recently chosen to attend the Civic Innovation Academy at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.  This week-long summer program, hosted by Civics Unplugged, brought together 30 high school students from across the country to learn how young people can help tackle some of today’s biggest civic challenges. At the academy, students explored topics such as voter participation, free speech on college campuses, and the ethics of artificial intelligence. They worked in small groups to develop real-world solutions and shared their ideas. Some of the big questions they addressed included: How can we rebuild trust in journalism? How can colleges protect free speech while keeping students safe? How can AI be developed responsibly and fairly? During the program, Halterman collaborated with students from California, Nevada, New Jersey, and Argentina to design a project that encourages young people to become more engaged in civics. “Elijah’s participation in this prestigious program reflects his dedication to political science, leadership, and public service,” said Michelle Reid, chair of the AHS Social Science Department. “We are so proud to support students like Elijah as they connect with changemakers and build the skills to become the civic leaders of tomorrow.” Halterman is no stranger to leadership and service. He has completed the Arizona State University Civic Leadership Institute, the Lemelson-MIT Rail Innovation in Action Program, an Appalachian Regional Commission STEM program, and an internship with Covington City Manager Allen Dressler. He is a former Virginia House of Delegates page and an incoming member of the Alleghany High School Carnegie Young Leaders Team. At AHS, Halterman is a member of the speech and debate team specializing in extemporaneous speaking. He also recently attended the Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University and is a student at Jackson River Technical Center. This fall, he will also attend the Jackson River Governor’s School at Mountain Gateway Community College. Halterman participates in the Alleghany Highlands Advancement: Law and Political Science program at AHS, which helps students explore careers in law, government, and public service. The program is open to all interested AHS students. For more information, contact Ginni Phillips at virginia.phillips@ahps.k12.va.us. Founded in 2019, Civics Unplugged is a nonprofit organization that empowers high school students to become civic innovators and leaders. Its programs provide education, mentorship, and a supportive community to help young people turn their ideas into action. Fellows also gain access to funding and other resources to support their projects and future careers. About Alleghany High School: Alleghany High School serves students in grades 9-12 as part of Alleghany Highlands Public Schools (AHPS). Formed in 2022 through the merger of Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center, AHPS combines local resources to provide an efficient, high-quality education for approximately 2,700 students. The division is funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington. Stay up to date with AHPS news and events by following AHPublicSchools on Facebook and ahpublicschools on Instagram. For more information, visit www.ahps.k12.va.us. To learn more about the Civic Innovation Academy or other Civics Unplugged programs, email info@civicsunplugged.org.

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