One of the best parts of serving as State Senator is getting to meet the next generation of Connecticut leaders.
Yesterday morning, my amazing friend and colleague State Representative Gale Mastrofrancesco and I had the opportunity to visit Wolcott High School and learn more about its outstanding Junior Seminar program. Every junior is required to complete this year-long project, which helps students better understand their strengths, interests, personalities, and future opportunities. The program culminates in a presentation where students share what they have learned about themselves and their goals for the future.
We had the chance to listen to four students present their work, and I was genuinely impressed. Each was different, but all were thoughtful, motivated, and exceptional in their own way. As I reflected on my own junior year of high school, I realized there was nothing quite like this available to students at that time. Programs like this help prepare young people not just for college or careers, but for life.
Kudos to the students, Superintendent Shawn Simpson, the educators, staff, and everyone involved in making this program such a success.
Later in the day, we visited Strong Elementary School in Southington, where students gathered to celebrate the dedication of a new "Kindness Bench" generously donated by the Southington Rotary Club. Representative Chris Poulos was also in attendance for the event. The bright blue bench serves as a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference and that we should all look out for one another.
The students sang a wonderful song, and it was a pleasure to spend time with such an enthusiastic group of young people. Thank you to the Southington Rotary Club, Superintendent Steven Madancy, the Southington Board of Education, and the teachers and staff at Strong School for creating such a positive experience for these students.
Both visits left me feeling optimistic about the future. Connecticut is fortunate to have dedicated educators, supportive communities, and talented young people who are already preparing to make their mark on the world.
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“The eyes of the world are upon you.”
82 years ago today, General Eisenhower spoke those words to Allied forces preparing to storm the beaches of Normandy. Their courage changed the course of history. Today, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of every soldier who fought for freedom that day. We will never forget.
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