BURLINGTON, December 10– Students from Woodstock Union High School traveled to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston on Monday, as part of “Vermont Day” organized by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). This marked the fifth time Vermont students have participated in the non-partisan Kennedy Institute’s innovative programming on democracy, civics and the legislative process.
“Twice a year, my office organizes these trips to promote student engagement in the legislative process,” said Sanders, who serves on the Senate education committee. “Vermont Day is a wonderful opportunity for high school students to learn that democracy is not a spectator sport. When we work together and debate the big issues facing our nation, we can make meaningful change.”
On Tuesday, nearly 50 students from Woodstock Union High School took on the role of Senator-for-a-day in a full-scale replica of the U.S. Senate chamber. “It is always a privilege to welcome participants from schools across the Green Mountain state to experience all that the Kennedy Institute has to offer,” said Sarah Yezzi, Institute Director of Education, Family & Youth Programming. “We are grateful to Senator Sanders and his staff for their support of the continued Vermont Day visits so even more students are able to understand civic engagement in an enjoyable and immersive venue.”
The immersive experience included researching, introducing and debating legislation to make college more affordable and to address comprehensive immigration reform. Sanders welcomed the Vermont students in recorded video remarks.
“The Kennedy Institute is helping young people better understand how our government works and how they can be involved in developing solutions to the problems we face,” Sanders said. “After all, representative democracy only works if we have an informed and engaged citizenry.”
Schools and students that are interested in the next “Vermont Day” during the spring semester can contact Katarina Lisaius at Sanders’ Burlington office at 1-800-339-9834.
To watch a video about last fall’s visit to the Kennedy Institute, click here or view below.
