Watkins Glen High School students meet with their state representatives in Albany (UPDATED, May 20th)

Albany, N.Y., May 19—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats), Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) and Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) today welcomed a contingent of Watkins Glen High School students to the state capital.

The students were accompanied to Albany by instructor Travis Durfee, who also serves as President of the Watkins Glen Faculty Association.  Over the past several weeks, as part of his ninth-grade Humanities curriculum, Durfee has focused on debate studies in which students have selected and researched a variety of issues, prepared debate briefs and other background materials, and engaged in formal debates.

He brought his students to the Capitol this week to meet their state lawmakers, discuss a variety of issues, visit the state government complex, and watch a live session of the Senate.

[The students are pictured above with Senator O’Mara (far left standing) and, standing from r. to l., Assemblyman Friend, Assemblyman Palmesano and instructor Travis Durfee.]

[UPDATE, May 20th: Read and see more in The Odessa File: News of Schuyler County]

In a joint statement, O’Mara, Palmesano and Friend said, “We appreciate Mr. Durfee’s efforts to engage his students’ interest in government and the political process.  His enthusiasm and his knowledge will go a long way toward instilling in the next generation the sense of civic responsibility so vital to the strength and well-being of our democracy.  And it’s always exciting and refreshing to see young people respond to a subject with curiosity, enthusiasm and hard work.  We’re seeing a classroom that’s inspiring and  training our future leaders.  That’s what learning is all about.  It’s truly a worthwhile achievement.”

The following students were in Albany today: Amanda Armstrong, Emilia Bond, Ashley Caslin, Maria Chedzoy, Sean Holland, Ryanna LaMoreaux, Daniel Paradiso, Tanner Ryan, Seth Swinnerton, Julian Thronton, Kaitlyn Valla, Simon Wigmore and Conlin Wysocki.

see more on Twitter @SenatorOMara.