BUCKS COUNTY – To encourage civic engagement and help students understand the legislative process, Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) offered local students an opportunity to be a senator for a day during a mock legislature event on October 25 in Bucks County.
“I believe in a strong foundation of practical learning and that is what this program is about.” said Farry. “The students have the opportunity to experience the legislative process firsthand, while developing their own positions and actively engaging in debates with their peers to come up with a solution together.”
More than 50 high school students from five different schools; Bensalem High School, Bucks County Technical High School, Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, Neshaminy High School, and William Tennent High School participated in the program, which took place at Farry’s alma mater, Neshaminy High School in Langhorne.
The event began with opening remarks from former Pennsylvania Governor Mark S. Schweiker, explaining the legislative process and engaging the students in dialogue about his real-life government experiences. Students then broke into five standing committees to debate legislation modeled after real bills that have been introduced in the Senate of Pennsylvania. Each committee selected a chairperson and a sponsor for each bill. Senate staff members from Harrisburg and Farry’s district office, along with former elected officials and government affairs professionals, helped guide the students through the debate process.
“I saw things in ways that I didn’t see before because I worked together with people from different districts, with different experiences, and they even changed my mind a little bit. It was a great experience,” said Julianna Cosenza, Neshaminy High School student.
The students gathered for a mock general session of the Senate led by Farry. Ten pieces of legislation moved out of committee and were considered by the full group of senators. The committee chairmen presented the bills for debate and a final vote.
Nicholas Mento, a student at William Tennent High School and second time participating, said that he had such a great experience last year and was happy that their school was able to bring ten students this year, including his brother Vince.
“This program is so valuable for the students. They can learn the legislative process and the negotiations and the compromises that go along with that process,” said Josh Stoner, Neshaminy High School Social Studies Teacher.
The event closed with Farry speaking about the challenges of the legislative process and reenforcing the importance of healthy debate and compromise, while treating others who may have differing opinions with respect.
View a recap of the program here.
CONTACT:
Nicole McGerry