Glen Allen HS students featured in new PBS series documentary

A new four-part documentary series on PBS from Retro Report called Citizen Nation follows high school students from throughout the US – including students from Glen Allen High School – as they compete in the nation’s premier civics competition, “We the People.”

Virginia State Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg (D-16th District) and some of his students from Glen Allen High School, along with others from Maggie L. Walker High School in Richmond, are set to star in the new series, which premieres Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 9 pm ET on PBS.

The series shadows high school students in eight states during a 10-month period as they grapple with critical questions about democracy. As the students rise through regional and state competitions, responding to judges’ challenges in the style of Congressional hearings, they reveal their knowledge of the US Constitution and politics and wrestle with what it means to be a citizen today.​

“As a legislator and educator, I see firsthand the profound impact that civics education can have in shaping the next generation of engaged citizens,” VanValkenburg said. “In a time when the very foundations of our democracy are tested, these young people are demonstrating what it means to wrestle with big ideas, challenge assumptions, and stand up for what they believe in. They remind us that democracy isn’t a spectator sport, it’s something we actively participate in. And when I see their passion, their intelligence, their commitment, I’m reminded that the future of this country is in very capable hands.”​

The second episode premieres Tuesday, Oct. 15, while the third airs Tuesday, Oct. 22 and the fourth Oct. 29, each during the same time 9 pm to 10 pm time slot.