Amity Middle School Orange students visited town offices on Oct. 22 for Government Day. From left: AJ Kaoroptham, Elizabeth Scates, Lauren Kennaugh, Carya Ewen, Lena Goodrum, Zoe Zanvettor, Madeline Cheng, Samanyu Garikapati, Evan Cruz, Olivia Burns, Connor Owens, Kelson Driend, Gabriella Liptak, Elise Johnson, Alana Hwang and Elaria Matozzo. Photo by Jennifer Marganski.
Amity Middle School Orange students had the opportunity on Oct. 22 to shadow local government officials in various departments during the school’s Government Day activities. Town offices they visited included the first selectman’s office, police, fire, parks and recreation and the community center, to learn more about the day-to-day operations that keep the town running.
Social Studies teachers Jennifer Marganski and Matthew Williams worked in collaboration with Orange town officials and Orange Youth Services to plan Government Day.
The day began with an overview session led by former Town Clerk Pat O’Sullivan. He described government’s purpose as “doing what collectively can’t be done individually.” He also emphasized the interconnection between local departments and the collaboration required to ensure effective operations within the government.
Students concluded their experience by meeting with First Selectman Jim Zeoli, who encouraged them to reflect on their Government Day experiences, noting that they could have long-lasting impacts. He also presented each student with an official town pin to commemorate the day.