At the Indiana Statehouse, a group of local students recently got an up-close look at the machinations of state government, thanks to State Sen. Jim Buck. Hailing from a variety of schools, these students served as pages in the Senate, a program that brings young Hoosiers directly into the heart of legislative proceedings.
Among those who participated, Liam Cannon came from Sheridan's Westfield Middle School, and Aaron Howard represented Tri-Central Community School. It's programs like these, aimed to not only educate but to also inspire, that Buck seems keen to support. "I always look forward to meeting with students from my district who have taken time out of their week to come learn about state government during our legislative session," Senator Buck was quoted in a statement, detailed by Indiana Senate Republicans. "These students get to see firsthand how the legislative process works for Hoosiers all around the state and in our local community."
The page program at the Statehouse is open to students in grades six through 12, and they typically serve on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays during the legislative session. This initiative offers them a unique opportunity: to tour the historic building, observe debates from the Senate floor, and to actually interact with their state senator. Wednesdays are reserved for groups, diversifying the participants even further.
Buck encouraged local schools and parents to take advantage of this "unique educational experience." George Hyatt, Bryce Jacobs, Harold Stach, and Ethan Witherow are just a few names among the many students who responded to this call to action. Whether from Westfield Intermediate and Middle Schools, Cathedral High School, or Tri-Central Middle/High School, they all joined together to become part of the political landscape, even by just for a day. "I encourage local schools and parents to take advantage," Senator Buck stressed in his statement, bolstering the notion that civic engagement can begin at any age, as per the Indiana Senate Republicans.
