Not many get the incredible opportunity to spend an hour of uninterrupted conversation with their Governor discussing issues that matter to them. However, a group of 16 Government and Economics students from the Tri-Township School Corporation did just that during this week’s field trip to the Indiana Statehouse. The red carpet was rolled out in Indianapolis for them as these students gained access to legislators and public officials, who are responsible for issues like cell phone bans in schools and the consolidation of smaller school corporations due to budget cuts.
Tri-Township School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Paige McNulty accompanied the group and was inspired by their immense enthusiasm over the political landscape.
“I was so proud of how our Tigers showed up asking great questions and showing genuine interest in the governmental process,” said McNulty. “This was a huge opportunity that they didn’t take for granted.”
The day’s itinerary was filled with historic moments as students conversed with State Representatives Pressel and Bohacek about cell phone legislation and how they as youth can be a part of the governmental process to have their voices heard. As fate would have it, the scholars ran into State Rep. Vernon G. Smith on the elevator who graciously invited them in to the State Representative Chambers for a group photo followed by words of encouragement.
The adventure grew more exciting as State Senator Stacey Domato popped in on the group during lunch after hearing that they were in the building. She shared some historic factoids about the Statehouse’s architecture and talked about her passion for public service through service in the Indiana State Senate. Tri-Township students took advantage of this moment to once again make their concerns known about technology expansion, phones in schools and potential budget cuts to smaller school districts. In essence, they became lobbyists for themselves and their school corporation.
Most would be impressed by this field experience alone. However, the opportunities continued to unfold as the young people were escorted in the office of Attorney General Todd Rokita for a roundtable discussion. Rokita was able to explain more about his huge responsibility as Attorney General, which then led to a robust conversation the career paths of the students. Rokita urged the students to be open to various opportunities that encourage growth as they select their career paths after high school.
Soon after, the students returned to the State House of Representatives Chambers to witness a live session as the legislators lauded their colleagues who were either retiring or moving on to other opportunities. They also took a tour of the Senate Chamber before heading to the final stop of the day — the Office of Governor Mike Braun.
Imagine the excitement of the scholars as they were invited to sit in the office of the highest ranking public official in the State. Also in attendance was State Secretary of Education Katie Jenner, which chimed in on pending legislation of cell phone bans in schools. The students wasted no time making their concerns known about the potential consolidation of smaller school districts and ways for them to impact change as teenagers. Braun shared details of his quest to win the highest seat in the state and advised the youth to not be fearful of taking risks while being strategic and focused on their goals.
The scholars will present a recap of their memorable experience at the next school board meeting, which will be held Monday, February 23rd at 6:00 p.m. at the Tri-Township School Corporation.
“Based on the students’ reactions and excitement, this is definitely a field experience that we want to continue,” added McNulty. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime, and I am ecstatic that it was our students who were at one of the most important tables in the State of Indiana.”
For more information about the Tri-Township School Corporation, visit www.tritownship.k12.in.us.