The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Melridge students meet state rep
After learning about government in social studies class, Melridge Elementary School students got the opportunity to speak face-toface with a state representative
Rep. John Rogers, D-Mentor-on-the-Lake, visited the Concord Township Elementary School on May 19.
Through a question-andanswer session, the third-, fourth- and fifth-graders asked about a dozen prewritten questions.
The students inquired about the responsibilities, challenges and requirements of a state representative.
One fifth-grader, Brianna Varanese, said she learned more about what a state representative does.
Her classmate, Evan Garbincus, who would like to become a politician, said he learned that there is a lot of education required for that position.
The event was organized by Noralee Starr, who teaches fourth and fifth grade social studies. She hoped to encourage students to become active citizens.
In social studies, fourthand fifth-graders learn about the three branches of government, she said.
This experience was also a precursor for the thirdgraders, who will learn more about government next year.
In addition to explaining the extensive process of changing and making laws, Rogers gave the students a lifelong lesson.
He encouraged them to work hard and focus on school.
Luke Henkel, who is in fifth grade, said he was excited to meet Rogers.
“I’m just happy that he was able to come to our school,” Luke said. “Out of every other school in Lake County, he came here.”