Sen. Stewart helps Broadview students live the legislature
Photo by Ian Skotte/Winchester Herald-Chronicle
WINCHESTER - Sen. Eric Stewart did more than tell students how the state legislature works when he visited Broadview Elementary Friday morning.
Stewart divided fourth and fifth grade students into their own makeshift legislature, complete with their own “House” and “Senate.” Caucus leadership was decided, votes were taken, and the students even passed legislation creating a 45-minute naptime. “Governor Stewart” vetoed the bill, however, saying the students’ time would be better spent in class.
“It’s important for our young folks to understand the process and to be informed if they are going to make a difference in our society,” Stewart said. “This little exercise not only taught them the ins and outs of the process, but also let them participate in it. I had a blast and I think they did, too.”
Several Broadview students will visit Sen. Stewart at the state capitol in Nashville later this year, giving them the chance to see how similar the real state legislature is to their own. Additionally, Sen. Stewart says he is willing to go to any school in his district to show them how the legislature works.