LANSING- Sen. John J. Gleason (D-Flushing) was presented with the Legislator of the Year Award by the Michigan Council for the Social Studies on Monday, January 26, 2009, for his ongoing efforts to further social studies education and appreciation. Sen. Gleason was honored for his sponsorship of Senate Bill 482, a bill that adds social studies to the academic requirements for the Michigan Promise scholarship for higher education, ensuring Michigan high school students are receiving a well-rounded education in all critical areas of their curriculum.

“In these tumultuous times, it is essential that Michigan students are knowledgeable in areas of civics, politics and history in order to be effective and active citizens,” said Gleason after receiving the award. “Adding the social studies curriculum requirement to the Michigan Merit Exam will give an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge towards a higher education.

The Michigan Council for the Social Studies seeks to connect resources for instructors and educators to better provide social studies programs to schools. Gleason was given the 2008 Legislator of the Year Award at an event earlier this week at Flint Central High School in conjunction with Governor Granholm’s signing of SB 482 into law.

Gleason’s legislation will mean that a qualifying score must be met on the social studies portion of the Michigan Merit Exam in order to receive the Michigan Promise scholarship. The Michigan Promise provides up to $4,000 to qualified high school graduates for post secondary education and serves as an economic incentive for students to succeed as well as pursue additional education or training beyond high school.

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