Senator Golden Encourages Student Finalists to Dream Big at Luncheon

Senator Golden (R-C-I, 22nd District) hosted his Senator for a Day Luncheon for all of the student finalists in this year's contest at Gino's Restaurant and Pizzera this past Friday, June 18, 2010.

At this annual event, Senator Golden invites the essay contest finalists to discuss their ideas for new legislation and programs for a better Brooklyn community.

Over pizza and ice cream with the students, Senator Golden reviewed some of the essays, which included ideas for changing standardized tests, introducing more athletic teams at schools, providing companionship for senior citizens and aiding the homeless. Other innovative ideas included integrating the Nintendo Wii Sports video game into academic curriculums to combat child obesity, as well as learn key mathematical and physics concepts. Another student proposed that schools institute a community service program that allows students to win funding for their school based on points earned via service hours.

"I picked your essays from hundreds of student entries. Your ideas were insightful and intelligent," Senator Golden told the contestants.

To stress the importance of education, Senator Golden asked who among the students would be attending college, expecting all hands to go up.

"For those of you going onto high school next year, it will be fun, but it will also a lot of work. In the end, it will all be worth it. These are the most important years of your life. Dream big and everything you have planned will happen," Senator Golden added with certainty.

Senator Golden also encouraged the young students to get to know each other, advising on the benefits of social networking in their future professions.