The February edition of The Citizen from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute features the 2026 Legacy Luncheon: Remember the First Ladies, honoring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s legacy and the historic impact of America’s First Ladies.
This issue also highlights:
- Youth civic education programs: including scholarship opportunities, the Civics Challenge, Camp O’Connor USA
- Black History Month historical figures that impacted our nation, and
- Upcoming virtual Book Club and Public Square events—offering students, educators, and lifelong learners new ways to engage in civic learning, leadership, and civil discourse.
Legacy Luncheon 2026: Remember the First Ladies
The annual Legacy Luncheon, presented by the Ladies of the Court, honors the life and legacy of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor—the first woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court—and celebrates the enduring impact of women’s leadership in American public life.
2026 Legacy Luncheon Details
Friday, April 24, 2026
Arizona Biltmore Resort | Phoenix, Arizona
Reception: 11 AM – Noon
Luncheon Program: Noon – 1:30 PM
This year’s theme, “Remember the First Ladies,” highlights the history and influence of First Ladies in shaping our nation’s culture, policy, and diplomacy from our founding to contemporary times. While also honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Legacy Luncheon is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the history, leadership, and contributions of our First Ladiesto society and civic progress.
The program will feature author Anita McBride, an internationally recognized expert on First Ladies’ legacies and White House history. McBride serves as Executive-in-Residence at the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University in Washington, D.C. Her distinguished career includes two decades in senior roles under Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, as well as service as Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush—making her one of the longest-tenured women in White House history. A Board member of J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship and the White House Historical Association, her perspective brings a rare blend of scholarship and firsthand experience to this year’s conversation.
Youth Programs: Building Civic Knowledge, Leadership, Civility and Scholarship Opportunity
The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute’s youth programs continue to provide meaningful, accessible pathways for students to explore civics, strengthen leadership skills, and connect with peers nationwide. From debate and scholarship opportunities to creative competitions and immersive summer experiences, these initiatives support students at critical stages of academic and personal development.
O’Connor Institute Ambassadors — Online Civics & Debate Club
High school students in grades 9–12 are invited to join a free, online Civics & Debate Club designed to increase civic knowledge, participate in civil dialogue, and learn how to become civically engaged while connecting participants with civic-minded peers across the country. The program also helps students stand out on college applications through demonstrated civic engagement, knowledge gained, and respectful discourse.
Scholarship Opportunities For Participating Seniors!
High school seniors participating in our Ambassadors program may qualify for substantial scholarship support. Eligible students can apply for the John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship, along with five additional $5,000 scholarships for Arizona students made possible through the Deloitte Foundation Arizona Scholars Program. These awards recognize academic achievement, civic knowledge, leadership, excellence in respectful debate, and community service.
Scholarship Application Deadline: May 8. Must attend a minimum of two O’Connor Institute Ambassador Meetings!
Civics Challenge — Creativity Meets Civic Learning
Open to students in grades 6–12, the Civics Challenge encourages creativity by exploring civic topics and help all generations learn more about our country, its history, and our government. Through 2-minute original songs or short videos, students can compete for a $500 award!
Submission Deadline: March 31
Camp O’Connor USA — Not Your Average Summer Camp!
Designed for 7th and 8th-grade students, Camp O’Connor USA is an acclaimed week-long, free, merit-based summer program designed to educate, encourage and inspire the next generation of leaders. Through a hands-on exploration of how government works, participants gain an experiential practical understanding of the three branches of government, the responsibilities of citizenship, and the importance of civic participation—all while forming lasting friendships with students from across the country.
Application Deadline: March 31
Black History Month: Celebrating America 250 Through Individual Stories
Black History Month offers an opportunity not only to reflect on the past, but to deepen our understanding of civic participation in the United States as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Looking back at the earliest chapters of American civic life reveals the many ways Black Americans contributed to the development of institutions, laws, education, commerce, and community leadership.
Through the Civics for Life website, we are highlighting individuals whose actions demonstrate that civic engagement has always taken many forms. From military service and constitutional advocacy to scientific innovation and entrepreneurship, these stories broaden the narrative of the founding era while reinforcing enduring civic principles.
Join the Virtual Civics for Life Conversations: Book Club & Public Square
Be Part of Our Book Club!
The Latest Pick: We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution by Jill Lepore
The Civics for Life Book Club is reading We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution by renowned historian Jill Lepore. Lepore presents the Constitution not as a static document, but as a living text shaped by debate, disagreement, and civic action across generations. Her work traces how the meaning of “We the People” has expanded over time and how those debates continue to influence modern democracy.
Whether you’ve read the book or just want to learn more, you are invited to a live virtual conversation on March 24! Want to be part of the weekly discussions? Join the Civics for Life Community App today!
Join the Virtual Public Square Discussion
Mark Your Calendars: The Civic Issues Shaping 2026
Date: Wednesday, February 25
Time: 10 AM PST | 1 PM EST
Location: Zoom | Register Here!
The upcoming Public Square will focus on the civic issues shaping the year ahead, drawing from recent community polling that highlighted priorities including education, the economy, technology, and civil discourse. During this interactive virtual session, participants will review poll results, hear diverse perspectives from across the country, and reflect on what these issues may mean for 2026 and beyond.
A welcoming, nonpartisan space for respectful dialogue, Public Square gatherings bring together lifelong learners, educators, students, and professionals who value civic engagement and shared understanding.
Staff Feature: Meet Vice President of Academic Innovation Nancy Haas, PhD.
This month, we would like to introduce you to Dr. Nancy Haas, the new Sandra Day O’Connor Institute as the Vice President of Academic Innovation. She earned her doctorate in Instructional Design and Curriculum Development from Arizona State University and later became a professor focused on teacher education and civic engagement. Dr. Haas has led research, workshops, and programs such as Model UN and We the People through the Arizona Bar Foundation, and her curriculum work has reached internationally through U.S. Department of State and Fulbright initiatives. A highlight of her career was collaborating with Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to create an online civic education program for middle school students.
How did you meet Justice O’Connor?
I met Justice O’Connor in 2006 while I was a professor at Arizona State University. She had recently retired from the bench and was eager to launch a legacy project for middle school students focused on the role and responsibilities of the courts. I was deeply honored to be invited to collaborate with her on what began as Our Courts and eventually evolved into iCivics. Over time, the program's scope expanded beyond the judiciary to encompass all facets of how our government functions.
As a longtime professor, what led you to develop a deep interest in civics?
My deep interest in civics began during my college years, a time marked by intense political dialogue and diverse viewpoints. The national conversation surrounding the Vietnam War and Watergate was especially engaging, and young people were actively and passionately expressing their perspectives. During that period, I came to understand that each of us has a responsibility to learn how our government works and to appreciate the vital role citizens play in sustaining and strengthening our democracy.
Why did you want to become part of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute?
My desire to become part of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute was rooted in my respect and admiration for Justice O’Connor herself. Although I was not involved in establishing the Institute, I worked closely with her on iCivics during the time she was laying its foundation. She believed the two organizations were naturally aligned in their mission to help citizens of all generations develop a deeper understanding of civics. One of her favorite sayings was, “You know we were not born knowing this information. We have to teach it.” When, later, at the request of CEO Sarah Suggs, I had the opportunity to conduct an audit of the Institute’s Civics 101 educational resources in preparation for its transition to an app-based platform, joining the Institute felt like a natural and meaningful next step.
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