Piccola's Student Government Seminar

Mark Your Calendars for the 15th Annual Student Government Seminar: October 21, 2010 at the State Capitol Building
 

"This day gives students an opportunity to get a glimpse of how government functions and how it reacts to public policy issues." – Senator Piccola

What is it?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a state senator?  This seminar gives high school students a chance to find out.  They will serve on a Senate committee, develop positions on legislation, debate issues in front of their classmates, and learn what it takes to get a law passed or defeated.  Rather than reading about the process, they are part of it.

Agenda for the event?

Morning Session:

Senate session opens with a discussion on how the legislative process works.  Senators (the students) divide into committees to discuss bills and draft proposals for the full Senate (student body) to consider.  Committees typically include: Labor, Transportation, Education, Health, and Environment.

Afternoon Session:

The Senate meets to debate and vote on legislation drafted by the various committees.  Each committee chairman presents the bills to the Senate for debate and a final vote.

Testimony from students…

"The Senator for a Day conference was a wonderful experience. It gave me a chance to see how debate is handled in the real State Government." – Nate Grover, Freshman, Sci Tech High 

"I actually was really nervous for this, but it ended up being a lot of fun and it didn't last long enough for me!" -  Briana White, Sophomore, Sci Tech High 

"It was an amazing experience, I instantaneously got deeply into character and felt as if I were an actual senator debating bills... Now that I know what it feels like, I am ready to go into my future career as a lawyer!"-Olayinka Osibodu, Senior, Sci Tech High 

"The Experience at Senator for a Day was a great step forward for many of our students, and it gave a good insight into how our state-government works.  I feel as though many were inspired by the experience, and it will help each and every one who attended to better take control of their own destinies through personal involvement." – Philip Enders, Junior, Sci Tech High

Jamal McDaniels, Middletown Area High School - Click here to read.

"I would definitely recommend this experience for other high school students.  Anyone who is interested in debate and government of any type, you have to come – it's wonderful." - Demetrius Papadopoulos, Central Dauphin High School

"After sitting in and learning about the legislative branch, I really enjoyed it.  It was a real learning experience and made me appreciate what goes on in here." - Lizz Kula, Harrisburg Christian High School

"This process makes you want to become a more informed voter." – Tricia Matter, Central Dauphin High School

"Having them (Senator Piccola and other key government officials and staff) help me better myself is an opportunity not only for me but also for my future career that lies ahead."   – Charlei Leggon, Harrisburg High School

Testimony from a teacher…

"This is a fantastic experience, especially now being held at the State Capitol Building.  Teaching government is one thing but experiencing it is a whole other thing.  That's what this day is about – allowing our students to get a true flavor of the political process – and that's something you can't get in a classroom." – Glenn McNamee, Central Dauphin H.S.

"Thank you for the tremendous day. It will be a good source for endless discussions about government… The program was realistic, and the people who were involved did a great job of making the debates realistic and challenging." - Charles Fox, Advisor/Covenant Christian Academy