1 April, 2011
The 17th Annual Student Government Breakfast took place on March 25th at the High School cafeteria. Members of the Junior Class that participated in the Local Government Project had the opportunity to mingle with local officials to discuss what they had learned. Seated at assigned tables, representatives from local boards and committees, including the Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board, the Marathon Fund Committee, Town Manager’s Office and the Hopkinton Police and Fire Departments, met with students to relate their experiences in local government and answer questions.
As part of the program, students shadow a department, committee or local board to learn firsthand how local government works.
“This program is great because it’s really a good practical application of knowledge,” said High School Teacher Nancy Clark. “It’s practical learning.”
The students go out in their Local Government Project and they learn by experience, rather than just reading about it. Combined with the speeches that they hear at the breakfast, Clark says the meetings that the students attend let students see how hard local volunteers work.
“I hope they get inspired to participate in some way in their community,” said Clark.
Students heard from a range of speakers; some local, and some in town especially for the event. Representative Carolyn Dykema told students to be informed.
“Every day, just choose a paper, a news vehicle, and scan the front page every day,” said Dykema. She also encouraged students to stay informed, form opinions and begin to develop how they feel about things.
State Senator Karen Spilka talked about the benefits of public service and how much she enjoys what she does.
I've been involved in many things, “said Spilka. “But I have to say this field, this calling, has been at times one of the most frustrating, but also by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life.”
Representing government on the national level, US Congressman Jim McGovern was also at this year’s breakfast and had some advice for the students.
“Figure out what you believe in, and fight for it,” said McGovern. “If you feel strongly about something, go out there and fight for it.”
McGovern also talked about the importance of voting, saying that he didn’t mind if someone disagreed with him, but he didn’t like to hear that they didn’t care enough to vote.
The Local Government Project is a joint program between the Hopkinton Public Schools and the Selectmen’s Office with the goal of teaching students in a practical way about their local town government.
Town Manager Norman Khumalo, also present for the morning event, said the most important thing is getting the students to ask questions.
It’s all the children, it’s all about building partnerships, and it’s all about making a difference in your community,” said Khumalo. “We have the opportunity to display local government at work. But most importantly, it’s giving the students the chance to ask questions, and that’s the key to getting them involved in the future."
To see photos from the Student Government Breakfast, Click Here.
To see the HCAM News segment, watch the video below.
