Forest
Park
High
School's
senior
class
had
a
unique
opportunity
to
welcome,
listen
to,
and
speak
with
sitting
Congressman
Gerry
Connolly.
Connolly
has
been
a
longtime
friend
to
the
Forest
Park
High
community,
attending
many
events
including
the
annual
suicide
prevention
walk,
and
was
enthusiastic
about
coming
to
discuss
what
mattered
most
to
the
students.Connolly fielded questions from students on a wide range of topics from refugees to gun control. He also spoke to students, encouraging them to take action in the community.
One student asked Connolly to describe life as a congressperson, to which he responded, "It's a labor of love."
"Young and prospective voter's voices are just as important as anyone else and they need to be heard and represented," shared Connolly. "I love interacting with young people. They're candid and not impeded in asking the questions people really want to ask."
Senior Malcolm said, "I felt this was a very educational experience. It was insightful to see and talk to the congressman face-to-face."
"I think it's important for students to be involved in government because it's important to understand how it works or what they can do to change things," shared senior Dejah.
Shannon Geraghty, social studies teacher at Forest Park, worked with her colleagues in the social studies department to plan and host the visit. They hope this is the first of many "Democracy in Action" visits from local government officials.