In an innovative move to blend educational initiatives with real-world civic engagement, Baldwin County Superintendent Noris Price spearheaded a visit to the State Capitol for the Student Advisory Council, a group that embodies the voice of students within the school district. This initiative not only aimed to give students a platform for discussing educational issues but also to expose them to the governmental process firsthand. Among these students, Aidan Kornn and Josefa Tchamnakouna shared their experiences, offering a glimpse into the impact of this exposure on their understanding of governance and civic responsibility.
Aidan Kornn, a Georgia College Early College student with aspirations toward architecture, articulated the council's role as an advisory body that engages monthly with Superintendent Price to tackle school-related concerns. "We meet with the superintendent, and we talk about problems or issues that we may be having in the school district," Kornn said. This trip to the Capitol allowed them to witness governance in action, enhancing their advisory role with real-world context.
Kornn's experience watching the House of Representatives in session particularly underscored the value of collaborative problem-solving and democracy in action.
Josefa Tchamnakouna, also representing Georgia College Early College, said, "Talking to the senators and representatives was very eye-opening... they explained a lot of what they did and how exactly important their position was to our daily lives."
Both students also touched on aspects of the visit that went beyond legislative learning. Kornn appreciated the diverse viewpoints and the importance of engaging with different ideas, while Tchamnakouna was struck by the openness and accessibility of the Capitol building. Moreover, Tchamnakouna's interactions with legislators revealed their more relatable, human sides, contrasting with the often impersonal portrayal of politicians in the media. "It was like they became people because seeing them from the news... you never would see that senators can make funny jokes or laugh," she said.
The visit to the State Capitol, facilitated by Superintendent Noris Price, Executive Assistant Gina Whitaker, and Transportation Director Eric Little, served not just as an educational field trip but as a foundational experience in civic engagement for the students of Baldwin County.
Through the eyes of Aidan Kornn and Josefa Tchamnakouna, we see the transformative potential of such initiatives to bridge the gap between education and governance. By empowering students with a deeper understanding of legislative processes and encouraging active participation in civic life, Baldwin County is nurturing a generation of informed, engaged citizens ready to contribute to society.
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