LEGISLATOR FOR A DAY

Hauppauge High School seniors – along with Social Studies Teacher Harry Shehigian -- recently participated in the Inaugural Student Day at the Suffolk County Legislature, which was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County. The students were warmly welcomed by Lora Gellerstein, Chief of Staff for Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory, and Lisa Scott, President of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County, to kick off the first ever Student Day. “Participating at the Suffolk County Legislature was a very unique experience. I had the pleasure of being able to interact with several officials, legislators and students from other schools as well as to participate in a mock legislative session,” described Alyssa Bernardo. “Overall, I learned that it is essential to be involved and aware with what is occurring in our community.”

The students were given an overview of how the Suffolk County Legislature works and also had an opportunity to meet with Presiding Officer Gregory, Amityville; Legislator Leslie Kennedy, Hauppauge; and Legislator Robert Trotta, Smithtown. They also viewed a series of presentations about various careers in county government. Student Day culminated in a mock legislative session on whether to ban drones within a certain distance from schools. Some students were tasked with defending the bill, while others tried to defeat the bill. Students were assigned roles as legislators, concerned community members, parents, etc., and participated in a mock public hearing. A representative from Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone’s office assisted the students who presented at the public hearing, while Gellerstein assisted the legislature.

“This experience was very eye opening,” said Versara Goberdhan. “I feel enlightened having been given the opportunity to see how politics and the government work up close.”