Chester Elementary Students Tour NJ Statehouse, Museum In Trenton

CHESTER, NJ — Fifth-grade students from a Chester school got an inside look at how the New Jersey Legislature works during a field trip to Trenton earlier this month, which was the Bragg Elementary School's first trip to the Statehouse.

The school got an invite from State Assemblyman Mike Inganamort (R-NJ-24), who was Chester Township mayor from 2023 to 2024 and served for several years as a councilman. Principal Michael DeLoreto told Patch that the students' excitement "was palpable" as they boarded the bus on May 1, and that he stopped by each homeroom after the trip to ask abut their experiences.

"The look of joy and wonder as they recounted their experiences is something difficult to describe," he said, "as was the excitement in their voices as they all clamored to share their favorite parts."

DeLoreto said Inganamort has remained connected to the Chester community, and thanked him for offering "a true learning experience" to the fifth-graders.

On their trip, the students walked through the Statehouse halls, visiting Gov. Phil Murphy's office and the Senate chambers. They also sat on the Assembly floor while Inganamort explained more about the lawmaking process.

The Bragg students also met with Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-NJ-19) and went to the New Jersey State Museum, learning more about the state's history and how the government works.

DeLoreto said each student seemed to have a different takeaway from the trip, and he enjoyed hearing their highlights .

"Some students described how 'cool' it was to sit in the legislative chambers, others described how large the building felt, while another expressed how much they liked the carpet," he said.

"We are grateful to Mr. Inganamort and his staff for affording our students such an amazing opportunity."