Mansfield Students Visit State House for Student Government Day

Senator James E. Timilty (D-Walpole), Representative Louis L. Kafka and Representative Elizabeth A. Poirier hosted Mansfield High School students Kane Tyler and Jackson Notz at the State House last month for the 65th Annual Student Government Day.  More than 400 high school juniors and seniors participated in a first-hand lesson in state politics.

“I greatly enjoyed meeting and speaking with these students,” said Senator Timilty.  “They were eager to learn about the role of a state senator in our government and they asked me some very interesting questions about my daily responsibilities. Their parents and teachers should be proud of their future public leaders.”

“This was a great opportunity for students to get a feel for some of our responsibilities up on Beacon Hill,” said Kafka. “There was lively, informed debate and I think that they did a great job.” 

“This annual event is such a wonderful opportunity for students to gain a better understanding as to some of the daily responsibilities of a State Representative,” said Representative Poirier.  “These students are given the opportunity to obtain first-hand experience as they actively participate in conducting a simulated joint convention.  It is always my pleasure to mentor them on this special day.”

First signed into law in 1947, the annual event allows student participants to take on the roles of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, legislators, constitutional officers and the Supreme Judicial Court justices.  During the day, the students held a simulated joint committee hearing and participated in formal sessions of the Student House and Senate.