O’Mara and Palmesano welcome Watkins Glen High School students to the Capitol

Albany, N.Y., June 8—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) on Wednesday welcomed a group of Watkins Glen High School students to the state Capitol.

Instructor Travis Durfee, who also serves as President of the Watkins Glen Faculty Association, joined the students in Albany.  As part of their ninth-grade debate studies curriculum, the students selected and researched a variety of issues, prepared debate briefs and other background materials, and engaged in formal debates.  They came to the Capitol this week to meet their state lawmakers, discuss a variety of ideas and issues, visit the state government complex, and watch live sessions of the Assembly and Senate.

In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, “We appreciated this opportunity to spend some time with these impressive young men and women, and to hear about their interest in government and the political process.  Their insights and thoughtfulness were outstanding.  It certainly leaves us hopeful that the next generation of leadership will benefit from their sense of civic responsibility so vital to the strength and well-being of our democracy.  It’s always exciting and refreshing to see young people respond to the challenges of the day with curiosity, enthusiasm, and hard work.  That’s what learning is all about.”

In the hoto in the Assembly Chamber, from left to right: Senator O’Mara, Travis Durfee, Zachary Burrows, Patrick Madaffari, James Jensen, Haley Dean, Ali LaMoreaux, Isabella Bond, David Armstrong, and Assemblyman Palmesano.