Earlier this month, several Bridgeport Middle School students had opportunity to visit the state capitol and become better versed on the legislative process.

 

On Feb. 3, Brooke Honaker, Lilah Kimble and Lilly Eby represented BMS at a first-time event, Girls’ Day at the Legislature.

 

The event was organized by the West Virginia Women’s Commission.

 

“They put it together to introduce the girls to the legislative process,” said Kem Honaker, who along with the other mothers, accompanied the girls on the trip.

 

The group visited the West Virginia Culture Center and training center. At the state capitol, they sat in on a full day’s activities.

 

“We observed the legislature and sat in on one of the senate sessions,” Honaker said. “It was good for them to actually see what happens in Charleston.”

 

Participants were able to choose from three small groups for break-out sessions.

 

“They chose from leadership, activism or public policy,” Honaker said. “Our girls chose public policy. It helped the girls decide how they would argue a bill and which way they would lean. It was good for them to know how to present a case.”

 

Though the BMS girls did not choose to do so, about 20 of the girls attending provided short two-minute speeches in front of legislators.

 

Senator Mike Romano recognized Brooke and Lilah on the Senate floor and House of Delegates Representative Patsy Trecost recognized Lily on the House floor. The girls also had opportunity to speak with Senator Donna Boley, who showed them the Senate Chamber, as well as House of Delegates Representative Kayla Kessinger.

 

“The girls enjoyed meeting and talking with Kayla – as you can tell in the picture,” Honaker said. “She was wearing tennis shoes and is only 22 years old. They were impressed thinking that in only 10 years, they could be Kayla!”

 

The entire state capitol experience was very valuable, Honaker said.

 

“That particular day, there were a lot of vendors from throughout the state of West Virginia. They got to talk to different people and they were surprised to see what all our state has to offer,” Honaker said.

 

Among several others, those vendors included Sallie Mae and Apple. The girls also were able to tour the C-SPAN bus.

 

Another highlight, Honaker said, was meeting Hoppy Kercheval of West Virginia MetroNews, who was doing a live radio remote.

 

“The girls were so excited to see Hoppy,” Honaker said. “I had to take them over to his table as soon as his show was over and introduce them to him.”

 

West Virginia History Teacher Carl Wunderlich had earlier this year distributed information about Girls’ Day at the Legislature so interested candidates could apply. The experience was limited to eighth graders.

 

Upon finding out about the opportunity, Brooke indicated an interest.

 

“It was her first real interest in government. Mr. Wunderlich kind of piqued her interest,” Honaker said.

 

The Charleston experience further piqued her interest and she subsequently made application to serve as a page during the March legislative session. She was accepted and will make another trip to Charleston March 5.

 

“She is excited about it,” Honaker said. “This was all a really good experience for her.”

 

Other BMS students will be serving as legislative pages. A further report is forthcoming on Connect-Bridgeport.

From Feb. 11-13, Caroline Fulks, Raeanne Beckner, Roger Matheny and Tristan Nolte attended the three-day Youth and Government Seminar. Students who had an interest in politics and law careers were extended the opportunity and ultimately selected by BMS teacher Mrs. Keri Lambert after filling out an application and successful completion of a civics test. The experience provided an overview of how state government works as students had opportunity to sit in on the current legislative session.

 

The seminar included a mock trial and night court, with actual cases being discussed. Middle schools from throughout the state were represented. A banquet was held for participants. Delegates attended and some followed up with students about letters they had received prior to the session. More information will be provided on that experience, as well.