The group had just finished learning about the processes in the state house of representatives and state senate, and Hufstetler, along with the students and teachers, wore big smiles as he spoke with several of the students.

The students are part of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and have been learning a lot about government during the past couple of months.

“Most people really don’t understand the legislative process. I know I didn’t at their age, so I’m really happy to see them getting involved in the process and learning about government,” Hufstetler said. “We need more people to understand what’s going on. I think we make better decisions the more people are informed, and starting at a young age is great.”

Hufstetler, about an hour earlier, had introduced the group from Rome City Schools, including Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland, on the Senate floor, mentioning that the students had already been able to learn more about local government.

The group had a meeting with Rome City Commissioners in February and a meeting with Rome Board of Education members in March.

“I’ll be honest. I was clueless at that age about a lot of government, and I would say there are a whole lot of people much older than them that don’t understand government. I wish more people did. It would make my job easier,” Hufstetler said. “I’m excited that these students have had this opportunity.”

House members Katie Dempsey and Eddie Lumsden also swung by and talked to a few students during the day which started early in the morning. Upon reaching the capital, the students were given a highlight of what they might see. They were also asked what they most wanted to learn and get out of their day at the Capitol.

“I would really just like to see what everybody does here,” Fred Johnson, a junior from Rome High, said.

Natalia Jones said she wanted to learn about the process of voting on bills. Another couple of students agreed, saying they were eager to see the whole process. As the group proceeded to the House and Senate chambers, students posed for selfies near displays and monuments throughout the Capitol building.

“It was really interesting to see how their minds were ticking about some of the processes and what they were seeing on the floor as well,” Marores Perry, Director of CTAE and Student Services, said. “They were reading all those proclamations and things so fast, and the kids looked surprised, but I think they truly enjoyed it.”

Students took notes on the various bills being discussed and got to learn and see firsthand some of the processes. Several were surprised to see that the public is allowed to watch the proceedings and even has an area where they can ask questions of the various representatives.

The field trip served as another great learning experience for the students.

“It’s really amazing that this group gets to talk to leadership at all different levels – local, regional, and even state,” Perry said. “That’s an opportunity that not many people can say they get to do in their lives. It’s awesome, and it’s a great thing for this group.”