Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Kids learn importance of voting during Constitution Day
WEST CHESTER » On Sept. 17, 1787, 39 delegates gathered together to sign the United States Constitution. On Sept. 17, 2018, 231 years later, students from various Chester County schools gathered on the steps of the Historic Chester County Courthouse to sign it again at the Chester County Constitution Day Celebration and Kids Voting Kickoff ceremony.
In recent years, there has been an effort to increase awareness of the importance of the signing of the Constitution in the nation’s history, as well as the importance that voting has on the country. To support this effort, Engaged Citizenship Executive Director David Woods and communications coordinator Rebecca Brain collaborated with the Chester County Intermediate Unit to host the event. Students from Coatesville Area Senior High School, East Coventry Elementary School, the Henderson High School Chamber Choir, students from the Coatesville Area Senior High School’s ROTC, Chester County Student Forum members, Technical College High School ambassadors and local and state legislators gathered as a community to celebrate Constitution Day and to discuss how their voices can be heard by voting.
Attendees celebrated citizenship for all individuals born in the United States, as well as those who came to the United States through the naturalization process. The topic of how to be an active citizen was an evident theme throughout the day. Chester County Student Forum President, Noah Haggerty, noted, “I’m very thankful to have been a part of such an incredible event that aimed to bring a renewed awareness to the Constitution and what it means to be an active citizen.” Adding, “I loved the emphasis on the younger generation and kids who will one day assume the role of voting citizens and leaders, as well as the focus on both the amazing past and possible future of our country. It truly prepares our youth for the future and sets up our future generations for success. Events like these truly have a huge positive impact on our whole community, and it was an honor for me to speak today.”
The day kicked off with a presentation of the colors from the PA-771 Air Force JROTC from Coatesville Area Senior High School and a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by the Henderson High School Chamber Choir. Dr. Joseph O’Brien, executive director at the Chester County Intermediate Unit, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and state Sen. Andy Dinniman recited the Preamble of the Constitution. Next, state Rep. Carolyn Comitta and county Commissioners Kathi Cozzone and Michelle Kichline talked about the value that voting has on the outcome of an election. Founding Father “Benjamin Franklin” then shared about the events leading up to the signing of the Preamble, led the mock voter registration and the “wish tree” ceremony, where students shared their wishes for the future of our country. The event concluded with Noah Haggerty and Dean Gelling from the Chester County Student Forum and TCHS Ambassadors Sarah Proud and Divya Samant speaking about what it means to be a citizen.
“I am honored to have had the opportunity to address our community at such an important event. I hope that everyone involved was empowered to live by the ideals that are laid out in the Constitution of our country. Thank you to all that coordinated the meeting, those in attendance, and the county, for putting together such a wonderful celebration,” said Chester County Student Forum secretary, Dean Gelling.
Chester County Constitution Day was coordinated by the Chester County Intermediate Unit. For more information, contact special events coordinator Jay Stone at 484-2375053 or at JayS@cciu.org.