NCSS member Holly Kartchner, a teacher at Blackfoot High School in Blackfoot, Idaho, was honored as one of three 2016 American Lawyers Alliance Teachers of the Year during their annual meeting in August. Each teacher is recognized for having “made outstanding contributions in the field of law-related education.” The teachers spoke about the programs they’ve implemented at their respective schools, which is always the highlight of the awards ceremony. Holly worked with students to embrace the ideal stated by President Theodore Roosevelt who observed, “The long term stability of a republic depends upon the average citizenship of a nation.”  But if our youth do not understand the functions of our constitutional democracy, then our system of government will deteriorate. Some observers say that could be happening now. Holly states, “I believe the more young people understand our governmental system, the more likely they are to be contributing members of society.”For over 50 years, the ALA has been active in its support of public education, citizenship awareness, and various service programs. Recognizing the vital role that teachers play in law-related education, the ALA continues to sponsor its annual Teacher of the Year Awards. They were chosen from applicants from around the country who learned of the contest through the Center for Civic Education, National Council for Social Studies, or through the ALA website. For information on the 2017 ALA Teacher of the Year awards, or to request an application for membership in the ALA, please visit www.americanlawyersalliance.org.