High School Students Visit Columbus, Shadow Legislators

Local high school students got a taste of politics as they participated in legislative breakfast and shadowing held recently in Columbus.

Organized by University of Cincinnati Clermont College TRIO programs (Educational Talent Search and Upward Bound) and sponsored by the Ohio Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel – the purpose of the breakfast and meetings with state legislators is to inform legislators and other educational and governmental leaders about the benefits of the TRIO programs and to allow TRIO participants to experience state government first hand.

Educational Talent Search students Samie Lawson of Clermont Northeastern High School and Tracy Mechlin of Milford High School, along with Shari Taylor, Educational Advisor, shadowed State Senator Tom Niehaus throughout a busy morning of meetings at the State House.

Upward Bound students Heather Pendergrass of Felicity-Franklin High School and Karma Aaron of Ripley-Union-Lewis-Huntington High School, along with Amy Thomas, Student Development Specialist, had breakfast with Rep. Danny Bubp and shadowed him for the morning as he attended to committee meetings and legislative business.  

“The students enjoyed a busy, informative day, and all were impressed with the interest their state legislators showed in them,” said Dan Schneider, Director of Educational Talent Search and Upward Bound.

TRIO programs are federally funded programs that open doors to college opportunities and support educational enrichment and achievement. Educational Talent Search works with students in grades six through twelve, and Upward Bound works with high school students.

For more information contact Mae Hanna, Director of College Relations UC Clermont College (513) 732-5332