A Poplar Bluff High School senior is one of 15 students to receive the Missouri Award for Outstanding Achievement in Citizenship from the Missouri Bar Association, the Department of Elementary and Secondary and other education organizations.
Hamiz Mirza was recognized for exceptional participation in civics and government-related extracurricular activities and performing exemplary community service, during a ceremony April 17 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, Mo.
Applications for the award required a written essay describing and analyzing an individual who exemplifies effective, quality citizenship and a school faculty endorsement - a recommendation government teacher Mitch Davis says he was happy to provide.
"Hamiz is well-versed in all aspects of civics. While understanding the process, he also participates in the process. I think a lot of the disillusionment with government is that people don't understand it, and don't understand how they can meaningfully participate in it," Davis said.
"With people like Hamiz in our communities, they can help guide people and show them how to be active participants," he said.
Mirza, in addition to being a high academic achiever, was instrumental in the formation of the high school's non-partisan political club. He is also the speech and debate captain, and a volunteer for several political action clubs.
"I think the big thing is before you can be a productive member of society, I feel like you have to be well informed. You have to understand your rights and the protections granted to us by the Constitution," Mirza said.
"Especially if you want to give back to those who have not been as lucky as you or afforded the best protections. You have to be well informed and make well-educated decisions," he said.
Mirza says there are a number of ways citizens can stay informed on current affairs and serve their communities, however, the best way is to get directly involved in the political process.
"Lots of people like to watch the process happen, but they don't want to involve themselves. I think just getting involved, whether it be on a really local level like running for a small position in your city or starting a clinic for someone or helping someone. Just giving back is the best way to help," he said.
Mirza aspires to enter the field of medicine as a physician when he graduates, but following that he may combine his love of healing and law to help write healthcare policy. He says universal healthcare in the U.S. is a very real possibility, but that it will take time.
"I think it is going to take time, because healthcare is complicated in America. When Bill Clinton tried to pass healthcare reform, then Obama, their parties both lost numerous seats. Recently we saw when Republicans tried to pass healthcare reform, it was completely different but still unpopular," Mirza said.
"But I think, from what I have read, universal healthcare is supported by the majority of Americans. So I think it will take a lot of activism and grass-roots efforts to get that passed," he said.
In addition, Mirza was also presented resolution from the state house and senate recognizing his achievements during the April 20 Poplar Bluff Board of Education meeting.
Each year, The Missouri Bar partners with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Missouri National Education Association and the Young Lawyers' Section of The Missouri Bar to award students for outstanding citizenship, as well as essays and artwork that celebrate Law Day.