Sixteen-year-old Clarksville student Levi Soper was nominated to participate in the Sacramento Chapter’s first annual Good Citizen Day, hosted by the nonprofit Founding Forward. The event is designed to engage students in hands-on learning experiences where they explore the Constitution, practice civil discourse, and reflect on what it means to participate in their community.

When asked what being a “responsible citizen” meant to him personally, Levi responded with thoughtfulness and clarity:

Being a responsible citizen is a representation of the traits needed to be not only a good student, but also a part of the community. Being a good citizen means being good at participation.

For Levi, responsibility centers on participation. He believes a good citizen should be knowledgeable, capable, and active in the community, with an understanding of how individuals can lend support where it is most needed.

Levi demonstrates these qualities through his volunteer work with Take Note Troupe, a Sacramento-based theater group that partners with schools to stage Shakespeare productions. He also dedicated his time to a free “citizenship education program”, where he helped design lesson plans and tested coursework before it launched. The program’s goal was to teach students about American governmental history—a project Levi found deeply rewarding. “It was a really nice feeling to work everything out and come out with a finished product,” he reflected.

Levi credits much of his motivation to his mentor at Love of Learning, Angie Gardener. Through her guidance and his involvement in the Civics Education Club, Levi embraced the idea of “paying it forward.” He believes that gaining an education comes with the responsibility to share that knowledge with others.

When asked if homeschooling influenced his civic journey, Levi didn’t hesitate:

In every way. Homeschool established a family- and community-centric view in my life. I realized how much I valued friendships, because some days you’re all by yourself, so when you do see your friends it matters so much more. Connection matters. I have the freedom to pursue so many extracurriculars. You have the freedom to do what you want—that’s an incredible feeling.

This perspective has shaped how Levi views both learning and leadership. For him, informed action is critical in any task—whether it’s serving his community, contributing to a group project, or exploring new opportunities.

Levi’s integrity, leadership, and commitment to civic engagement make him a role model among his peers. His story reminds us that true citizenship is built on participation, service, and the willingness to make a positive difference in the community.