350 Kids (and a 'Graduate') Participated in Student Government Day

More than 350 high school juniors and seniors from across the Commonwealth (including two from Franklin and  two from Medway) gathered at the State House Friday. There was also at least one "graduate," 8th Worcester District State Rep. Michael Soter, joining in to participate in Student Government Day, an annual program organized by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with the support of all three branches of state government.

Participants spent the morning learning from government officials and participating in a simulated joint committee hearing, where they discussed the proposed “Act promoting safe technology use and distraction-free education for youth.”

Rep. Mike Soter

In covering the event, WBZ talked to Soter, who represents Medway's precinct 1 as well as Bellingham, Blackstone and Millville, and Precincts 1A, 2, 3, and 4, of the town of Uxbridge, who noted that he participated in the Student Government Day program back in 1999.  Soter told WBZ's Jake Willet, "These guys[the students] are gonna move very quickly in government. Doesn't
always happen in government, but maybe they’ll set an example for
all of us and we move a little bit faster.”

A Full Program

Following the morning program, one group of students remained in the House and Senate Chambers to hear from members of the executive branch and then engaged in a simulated debate in which they acted as legislators.

Above. Giada Antonuccio and Michelle Pishchik from Medway and Keaton Cooper and Arsh Tyagi from Franklin with Rep. Jeff Roy..

Another group of students spent the afternoon at the John Adams Courthouse, where they joined the Supreme Judicial Court law clerks and interns for lunch, toured the Courthouse and learned about the state judiciary and appellate processes from justices and clerks.

“This event provides students a unique opportunity to see firsthand how they can make a difference in their communities today, and maybe even as elected officials themselves in the future,” Governor Maura Healey said. “I hope all of these students will consider pursuing public service in some form.”

“It is heartening to see Massachusetts students with a passion for getting involved in government and working together to make our communities better through the political process,” Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll said. “I hope this experience inspires them to continue this involvement after they graduate high school – perhaps we’ll even see some of them back at the State House in the future.”

“I am inspired by seeing students from across the Commonwealth discuss real and pressing issues with such thoughtfulness and depth,” Education Secretary Patrick A. Tutwiler said. “Student Government Day models how to hold informed debate and seek consensus through the legislative process.”

“Every year, my colleagues in the judiciary look forward to participating in Student Government Day,” said Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd. “This event provides an opportunity for students to see public service in action while inspiring future leaders to pursue the meaningful work of state government.”

"Our work to make Massachusetts a better place to live, work, study, and do business begins with our relationships with our constituents and colleagues and culminates in the actions we take in the Senate Chamber," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "There’s no better place to see that take place than right here, in the room where it happens. I hope every student who joins us today feels inspired to get involved—whether as a citizen, advocate, staff member, or even a future elected official."

“It’s an honor to host high school students in the House Chamber as they participate in Student Government Day,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “It’s very important to engage our young people in our democratic process, and I encourage all of the students participating to become active in state government.”

Sarah Mukkuzhi of Walpole High School served as this year’s student governor, and Jaleeyah Figueroa of Revere High School served as the student lieutenant governor. Both were winners of a speech competition held prior to Student Government Day.

Student Government Day was signed into law in 1947. The program provides an opportunity for educators and students from Massachusetts's public and private high schools to learn firsthand about state government, voice positions on current issues, participate in the legislative process, exchange views with their peers, as well as a format for government officials to have contact with students.