Some of Hazelwood School District’s GALACTIC (gifted) students had the opportunity to see some state government functions as well as explain to the legislators who represent our district why gifted education is important.
Twenty fourth graders from the program recently visited Jefferson City during Gifted Education Week, where they met with local representatives and senators, and they toured some prominent government buildings.
Sarah Horne from Garrett, Brandon Konarik from Brown, Intisar Faulkner from Keeven, and Ronnel Turner from Townsend Elementary Schools related their experiences from the trip.
After arriving, they met in the Capitol Rotunda, where David Welch, the state director of Gifted Education, welcomed them.
“Then we took pictures with Rep. Clint Zweifel and Rep. Juanita Head-Walton,” Sarah said.
“Rep. Zweifel stopped the House proceedings and introduced the entire group,” said Mara Berry, GALACTIC’s instructional specialist. Eleven parents accompanied the group, along with teachers Carrie Ziolkowski, Susan Schneider and Berry.
While the students toured buildings and participated in activities, their teachers thanked the senators and representatives for their past support and asked them to continue the level of support for gifted education.
The parents and two or three children made sure they spoke to the seven representatives and three senators who represent the district.
Sightseeing activities included some children touring the capitol complex while others visited the Governor’s Mansion. Each visit offered things to occupy the students.
“We got to make a copy of the state seal,” Ronnel said. “I liked the Governor’s Mansion. From the outside to the inside, it has a lot of antiques, and it has great views of the Missouri River.”
The first-floor furniture and items impressed Brandon. “It has a bunch of cool stuff, and a lot of it was organized really neatly.”
Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton’s work also made impressions on the children.
“I like his pictures because they were really cool,” Sarah said.
“My favorite thing was getting to meet with all of our representatives and senators and talk with them and get to know them,” said Intisar.
Berry said that students and teachers indicated that they appreciated the opportunity to speak with legislators about their education.
