Global Citizenship is the idea that, as well as being a citizen of one’s local community or nation, it is also possible to act as a citizen of the world. Global citizenship recognizes that people in different countries are increasingly connected to each other through trade, communication and the exchange of information. Poverty has overtaken Somalia’s population and is slowly spreading throughout the countries of Africa. Even with one step, we’re saving many lives, ones that have been deprived of some of the simple necessities of life.

Our class, Mrs. Kitzman's Social Studies, is beginning an act of global citizenship through a Somalian Poverty Project. Our first steps are ones throughout our community by helping the local food pantry. From there our next steps will be incorporating Heifer International in our project. The goals we have set are to hold a bake sale, selling pop and baked goods, putting on a dance, selling T-Shirts promoting our cause, and all the proceeds we’ve profited will go towards Heifer International, focused towards Somalia.

Global Citizenship is the achievement we are reaching for in this project to assist Somalia on its journey out of poverty. We will become better educated of the events taking place throughout this world, and we learn to aid our fellow countries in able to make the world a better place. In this process change starts with 30 students.

Students in Mrs.Kitzman’s 7th grade challenge social studies class are designing an action plan to eradicate hunger in their community and abroad. Carlie Sherman and Lizzie Ohme were selected as the class captains after presenting their global cause that aligned to the Millennium Development Goal called “Reducing Poverty”.  The humanitarian organizations the students plan on supporting are Heifer International and Dixon Food Pantry. The students believe that they all share a part in securing a just and sustainable world in which every child can achieve their potential.

On December 5th, 2011 – Reagan Middle School graciously accepted and unveiled the Ronald Reagan Statue entitled “Begins the Trail”.  The bronze statue, generously donated by Mr. Tom Shaw,  President and CEO of Shaw Media and Mr. Ray Neisewander , President and CEO of Raynor Garage Doors.
Reagan Middle School, Principal, Andy Bullock, stated “This magnificent statue will serve as a reminder to our current students, as well as future generations of children who will pass through our doors, the tremendous impact that Ronald Reagan had on Dixon, Illinois and the entire world”.
Reagan Middle School graciously thanks Mr. Shaw and Mr. Neisewander for their continued commitment to the students of  Dixon Public Schools.
The statue is on Display and available for viewing in the Main Office of Reagan Middle School.