On November 16th, 2023, A.P. Government students at Greater Nanticoke Area High School were given the opportunity to get involved with state politics in Pennsylvania. The trip to the PA capital was organized by Candice Muench, the A.P. Government teacher at GNA, and Governor Shapiro’s office in an effort to promote student engagement in related fields.
The day commenced with a guided tour of the Pennsylvania State Museum, which is a nonprofit history museum that includes an anthropology gallery, a hall of geology, and even a memorial hall for Pennsylvania’s founder, William Penn, among many other permanent features. Following this event, the students were allowed to dine in the capital building before their tour of the capital began.
Candice Muench stressed this tour’s importance, explaining that “Visiting our exquisite capitol and touring its facilities allow students a deep appreciation for how prominent, powerful, and important our state legislatures and supreme court are.”
Students were then led through the House and Senate chambers, which were not in session that Thursday, allowing the students to get a closer look at the functionality of government from a much more personal perspective that directly related to the curriculum being taught in their A.P. Government classroom.
“A major theme in AP U.S. Government and Politics is federalism. Federalism encompasses not only the division of power between our federal and state government but also the collaboration between the two,” Muench continued.
One of the attending students, MacKenzie Stratton, shared her reflections. “I personally found the details put into the architecture very interesting. Learning about the artists behind the different murals in the rooms and the rotunda caught my attention, specifically the female artist Violet Oakley.”
Afterward, students toured the state Supreme Courtroom and the capital rooftop before concluding their day by meeting with Governor Josh Shapiro for a photo and interview session.
The AP Government class was reportedly beyond grateful for the opportunity, with one such student, Azariah Muhammad, explaining how she “…enjoyed viewing Harrisburg from the dome of the capitol and hearing the interesting facts of its cultivation.” “This experience allowed me to feel connected with my governing body. I realized that, although these were major political officials, they were human just like me. Seeing and confabulating with them made me value their role and appreciate their service to our state,” she added.
Candice Muench collaborated with the Office of Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro and the Deputy Director of Scheduling, Jaclyn Victor, to establish the opportunity.
Victor, a Greater Nanticoke Area graduate, reflected that “Seeing GNA students visit the Capitol was truly a full circle moment for me. I had never been to the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building until I was in college, which is why I wanted to provide this opportunity to Nanticoke students,” adding, “It is an honor to walk into the Governor’s Office every day and I want to ensure that I am creating a pathway for others who may want to follow a similar career trajectory.”
Candice Muench connected those ideals to classroom curriculum, explaining that, “…curriculum guides us in understanding government, but seeing the grandiose Capitol, and certainly meeting and speaking with Governor Shapiro, was a privilege beyond our normal studies.”
Another large aspect of the trip was the students’ interview with Governor Shapiro, with Stratton describing, “Governor Shapiro was truly kind and curious regarding the questions we had… his team was very welcoming as well… I was able to ask him about his interest in increasing the minimum wage and how he plans to take action.”
“I got the opportunity to ask Governor Shapiro to take us through what the I-95 repair process was like. It can always be intimidating to talk to such a well-respected individual, but Governor Shapiro is so personable it felt like I was talking to someone I knew my whole life,” Lauren Youngblood recounted.
Azariah Muhammad also commented, saying “I asked Governor Shapiro how he balanced his personal, work, social, and sleep life. His response enabled me to sympathize with the inevitable stress he was under, yet admire him for his approach to balancing these factors of the human experience. I thought he was an eloquent and humorous man who I can be proud to have as my governor.”
Another attendee, Rylie Lewis, even exclaimed “I took away that politicians are humans, too. I recall Shapiro saying, “I’m just a dad.” on a few occasions.”
These students were essentially able to make connections with an influential political figure whom they discussed in a classroom setting.
Victor concluded, “It is very important for young people to be informed about current events and get involved in the political process. While many voters are more familiar with the happenings at the federal level, state government plays a very consequential role and has a significant impact on our day-to-day lives.”
Students were given direct access to involvement with local politics, which is arguably crucial in the development of well-informed voters.
This, Muench expanded upon, saying, “The actions of our state legislators, court system, and governor directly impact the lives of Pennsylvanians, including their lives as students in a public school. That understanding will certainly help guide them as they become active members of our democratic practices.”
Victor shared her experiences with stepping into a political setting, sharing, “I participated in several internships and fellowships within state government during my college career, which sparked my interest in public service and leadership. Those learning opportunities, combined with my other professional experiences, created a pathway for me to work for the Shapiro Administration.”
For interested students, she suggests that “…students identify issues they are passionate about and find ways to work towards creating positive change.”
The AP Government trip to Harrisburg was an important opportunity for students to develop themselves as they prepare to graduate high school and enter a professional environment.
Lewis commented, “I feel this opened a few doors for my future aspirations by putting me out of my comfort zone.”
In the end, the students’ teacher, Candice Muench reflects, remarking, “my hope is that students gained a deep appreciation for our state government and a clear understanding that state and local government is just as, if not more, impactful on their lives than the federal government. I hope students consider what their role in government will be as they transition into adulthood and maybe even aspire to run for office someday.”
Looking back on the experience, many of the AP Government students have made plans to apply what they’ve seen to their aspirations.
MacKenzie Stratton commented, “While on the tour I saw a class of fourth graders also visiting the Capitol building, and as I further my education to become an elementary teacher I will remember that children can always learn more about our government and the concept of how we became Pennsylvania.”
Another such student, Lauren Youngblood, added, “This trip really solidified that… I can see myself… attending Law School after receiving my bachelor’s degree. It even sparked an interest to one day maybe run for office in the state of Pennsylvania.”
Greater Nanticoke Area High School is immensely grateful for the opportunity and hopes to continue a legacy of encouragement for young students to become active members of political society.