BURLINGTON, Vt., March 27 – Students from four Vermont high schools traveled to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston on Tuesday, as part of “Vermont Day” organized by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). This marked the fourth time Vermont students have participated in the non-partisan Kennedy Institute’s innovative programming on democracy, civics and the legislative process.

“My office organizes these twice yearly trips to help teach Vermont students how our government works,” said Sanders, who serves on the Senate education committee. “These trips are a wonderful opportunity for high school students to learn how to be critical thinkers, work together and debate big issues in a respectful and civil manner.”

On Tuesday, 110 students from Poultney High School, Randolph Union High School, Spaulding High School and West Rutland High School took on the role of Senator-for-a-day in a full-scale replica of the U.S. Senate chamber. The immersive experience included researching, introducing and debating legislation to bring down the high cost of prescription drugs and to revitalize rural communities. Sanders addressed the Vermont students in livestreamed remarks from his Senate office in Washington.

“The Kennedy Institute is helping prepare the youth of today to tackle the challenges of tomorrow,” 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 fall semester can contact Katarina Lisaius at Sanders’ Burlington office at 1-800-339-9834.

To view pictures from Tuesday’s Vermont Day, click here.

To watch a video about last fall’s visit to the Kennedy Institute, click here.