Local Students 'Shadow' Senator Martins to Learn About Life in Albany

Students from area high schools had an up close and personal look at a day in the life of a New York State Senator when the students shadowed Senator Jack M. Martins for a day in Albany.

As part of a program, Students Inside Albany, run by the League of Women Voters, students head up to Albany to shadow a member of the State Legislature in order to immerse themselves in the study of government, enhancing their academic experiences they learned at home. The students get a first-hand look at helped public policy is proposed and enacted in New York State.

Senator Martins, who is in his third year as a State Senator, was happy to have the students with him in Albany for this unique education experiences. Senator Martins has spoken at numerous schools in the Seventh Senate District about his transition from a village mayor to Senator, and his duties in Albany. But this experience allowed the students to see Senator Martins in his legislative role as one of 63 Senators across New York State.

“This is a tremendous program that enables the students to learn about our government. It helps empower them to take an active role in their communities and our state,” said Senator Martins.

The students who shadowed Senator Martins on April 16 included Sharie Meltzer, a senior at Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington; Robert Gotfried, a junior at Manhasset High School; and Jason Nimblette, a senior at Westbury High School.

The students had the opportunity to discuss with Senator Martins what a typical day is like and witness a Senate session in the Senate chambers, where bills are passed. “Sharie, Robert and Jason have bright futures ahead of them. It bodes well for our future when young people are engaged in government. I wish them luck in their studies and know that we will be hearing about their accomplishments in the future,” Senator Martins said. “Each of these students are a reflection of the strong education students are receiving from our schools around the Seventh Senate District.”