Weatherbee third grade visit

On Wednesday June 19th Weatherbee’s third grade classes visited the Maine State Museum and following their lunch I invited them over for a brief tour of the Maine Statehouse. As we were out of session, students, faculty and parents were able to enter both the House and Senate chambers and take seats were the members are seated. I gave a brief description of the activities which take place, composition of the members and how we vote and are recognized to address the body on an issue. I asked several questions of the students about our leadership and their knowledge of the Legislature and was pleased that several respondents knew that both the Maine House of Representatives and the Senate have women who were elected leaders. Speaker Hannah Pingree and Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell. Many of the students were able to get a chance to view the hall from the rostrum and some even had their pictures taken. I am always pleased to have visitors to our Capitol, especially younger folks who someday may themselves be called upon to serve in elected office.  Getting a closer look at the statehouse may spark an interest in government or at least make them more comfortable in contacting their elected officials.

After their visit I was pleasantly surprised to receive an envelope filled with handmade thank you cards with notes from the students expressing their appreciation and sharing what part of the visit they liked the most. I have view the cards several times and was touched by many of their comments. I too enjoyed their visit and hope  to see more students visit us in Augusta. To those reading this post, we offer an honorary page program and I would be happy to have students join us for a day at the statehouse. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested.