By Michael Ganci – Syntax NY
A group of Participation in Government students from Smithtown High School East, along with teacher June Tener, participated in Student Day at the Suffolk County Legislature on Oct. 8.
Hosted by the League of Women Voters and Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory, the event was attended by 27 high school students from five different school districts.
Attendees listened to presentations from legislators as well as various Suffolk County department heads, including the sheriff’s department, the Suffolk County Police Department and the Department of Labor.
Following the presentations, students broke into caucuses to discuss mock legislation that would ban the use of drones over school property. In a simulated general meeting, students portrayed legislators and concerned citizens who argued for or against the bill.
“Student Day at the Suffolk County Legislature was a valuable experience that helped me better my communication skills and increase my knowledge of our local government,” said Ally McFadyen, a senior at Smithtown High School East. “I loved posing as the Presiding Officer because it gave me the power to conduct a General Meeting and understand how the Legislature functions. I plan on incorporating the skills I acquired during this exercise into my daily life by addressing issues clearly and working in a group to find the best solution to a problem.”