Posted on April 29, 2024
Bethel, Conn. – Bethel High School Social Studies teachers invited State Representative Martin Foncello (R-107) and State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) to be guest educators for 10th-12th grade students. The two of four state lawmakers for the town told the students about their background, their role in government, and how students can be active participants in state government. The pair then answered questions about topics that are part of their curriculum.
Teacher Crystal Morgan and Department Chair, Dr. Jessica Galbraith organized the event in the BHS auditorium.
“I had a great time talking with these students. They had a lot of questions about gerrymandering, AI technology, and how I got into politics. We discussed a range of other topics as well,” said Rep. Foncello. “I want to thank Dr. Galbraith and Mrs. Morgan for inviting me to speak with the students as they learn about state government operations in their history classes.”
The students asked questions about what a day in the life of a state legislator is like, where they stand on a potential ban of TikTok, and what they would tell their high school self to do differently.
“I was so encouraged to see such a civic-minded spirit exemplified in these young men and women. I was impressed by the students’ curiosity and thoughtful questions,” said Sen. Hwang. “I was so inspired and energized by the visit and a big thanks to Superintendent Dr. Christine Carver and Teachers Crystal Morgan and Dr. Jessica Galbraith. I always appreciate and value the opportunity to help our youth engage in the political process and learn more about how their government and elected leaders work.”
Dr. Galbraith thinks visits like this are key to encouraging students to become active, involved members of their community.
“It is so great when we can get the legislators to come and meet with the students because it engages the young people in a way that we can never replicate in the classroom. They see the faces of their representatives and interact with them. It helps the students feel like their voice does count and that they can make an impact,” said Dr. Galbraith.
The students also asked why Bethel has so many state lawmakers representing the small town. Foncello and Hwang explained that each district is divided up based on census numbers and are each about equally distributed.
“The Stony Hill section of Bethel is often placed in a different district than the downtown area as neighboring towns are also smaller, and more residents need to be placed,” noted Foncello. “Ironically, the way my town of Brookfield is divided, I am Senator Harding’s state Representative, but he is not my state Senator. Senator Berthel, who represents a portion of Bethel, is my state Senator.”
After redistricting, district lines were changed, and the 32nd state Senate towns were rearranged.