Candidate talks to high school students

VERNON — In an effort to bring civics to life, VTHS Social Studies teacher Kelsey Falkowski reached out to the candidates in the 5th congressional district to speak to his students about the campaign process.
This past Friday, his AP US Government and Politics class, joined by Matt Trokan's AP US history class and Justin LaBouseur's Cultural Geography class, participated in a virtual conversation as Democratic candidate Josh Gottheimer skyped in to the VTHS Upper Library for a one-hour discussion on politics and government.
Students questioned Gottheimer on a litany of highly engaging topics including campaign finance, the impact of interest groups, drafting legislation, and running a campaign.
As Falkowski notes, "Nothing makes a political theory class come alive more than talking to those involved in the campaign process."
This opportunity offered a real-world connection for students in bringing the civic process directly to the students. Mr. Falkowski is attempting to coordinate a similar event with U.S. Rep. Scott Garret.