Civic Education Day was held in the Legislative Building to honor those who teach civics and to create awareness about its importance.

“In order to have a truly representative democracy, Americans must have a thorough understanding of the process,” said Sen. Maralyn Chase, D-Shoreline, who sponsored a resolution commemorating the day. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the teachers here today who are being honored for their outstanding commitment to civics education.”

MacRae, of Shoreline, was one of nine finalists and two winners honored as the Washington State Legislature’s Civic Educators of the Year for 2012, according to our friends at Shoreline Area News. Last year, she worked with 4th-6th graders to introduce and lobby legislation through the process which encourages civil rights education. The students wrote letters, testified via the internet during a hearing on the bill and many of them were present when Gov. Chris Gregorie signed Senate Bill 5174 into law.

“Ms. MacRae proved to her students that they truly can have an impact on government,” Chase said. “It’s a great lesson not just for students, but for all of us.”