For the third consecutive year, all of Juneau’s 8th graders (approximately 375 students) and their teachers had an opportunity to learn how state government operates during Capital Students — Capitol Visits. This civics education program is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Juneau with support from The Alaska Committee.
The field trips to observe the work of the legislative, executive and judicial branches were described by many teachers and students as an “awesome” experience. Thanks go to all of the individuals who shared their expertise and time to help educate our young people in the democratic system of government and who made the program a success. While we risk not mentioning everyone who was involved, we want to especially thank the following individuals who extended themselves for the monumental task of hosting an entire grade of students from one school district.
Volunteer instructors who planned the program and led students in the day-long sessions were Jean Ann Alter, Sue Baxter, Laurie Berg, Marian Clough, Peggy Cowan, Sally Donaldson, Brenda Knapp, Marjorie Menzi, Judith Mitchell, Chris Niemi, Sally Saddler, Bridget Smith, Kathy Tran and Nancy Waterman. Teachers Amy Lloyd and Tracy Goldsmith (Dzantik‘I Heeni Middle School), John Wade (Floyd Dryden Middle School), Bridget Braley and Tom Schwartz (Montessori Borealis) and Jennifer Strumfeld (Juneau Community Charter School) also participated in the planning. Capitol visits would not have happened without these key people.
Visits to the Capitol were personalized by sessions with the Juneau legislative delegation; Senator Dennis Egan, Representative Sam Kito and Representative Justin Parish, all of whom made time to meet with the students and introduced them and their teachers on the Senate and House Floor. Thanks to all of the legislative staff, particularly Jesse Kiehl, Edric Carrillo, Crystal Koeneman, Patrick Courtnage, Rob Edwardson, Jenny Martin and Laura Stidolph. Also to House Sergeant at Arms Micaela Bradner and Senate Sergeant at Arms Grace Ellsworth, who along with the pages, made the students’ visits to the House and Senate Galleries truly educational experiences.
The role of the executive branch was ably explained by Heather Parker, policy analyst for Governor Walker, and by personnel from the office of the Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott, Senator Albert Kookesh, Nazune Menka, and Kady Levale. Shari Paul facilitated the students’ visits to the Cabinet Room and staff presentations.
Observations of court arraignments continue to be a highlight of the program with Judge Thomas Nave and Judge Kristen Swanson presiding over the sessions. Both judges also took time from their busy schedules to answer student questions, as did the prosecuting and defense attorneys and Deputy Magistrate Sharon Heidersdorf. Sue Lebeau helped facilitate students’ attendance in the courtroom.
The field trips were made possible with a grant from the Education Fund of the League of Women Voters of Alaska and the Alaska Committee which paid for the student/teacher bus transportation and copying costs associated with the program. The League of Women Voters of Juneau is working to institutionalize capitol visits to ensure that every Juneau 8th grade student has knowledge of state government and a personal connection with what it means to live in the state capital.
Marjorie Menzi, volunteer coordinator
League of Women Voters of Juneau
