After speaking with several sixth grade gifted students in Picayune, Plantation Properties owner and historian for the Civic Woman’s Club of Picayune Debbie Benoit decided to find a way for the young adults to find answers to their questions at the State Capitol in Jackson.
“They were questioning how laws were made and what the responsibilities of the governor and legislators are,” Benoit said. “When I approached the woman’s club about sponsorship, they thought it a grand idea and decided to sponsor a yearly field trip.”
On April 14, 12 sixth grade gifted students from Alicia Verweij’s class at Roseland Park Elementary and Sheryl Hughes’ class at West Side elementary traveled by bus to meet the men and women who write and pass laws in Mississippi.
At 10 a.m. that day, students met with Governor Phil Bryant, Benoit said.
“They presented him with a Picayune coin shadow box signed by each of the students,” she said. “After that, they toured the governor’s mansion and learned the history of the building. It’s one of two original mansions still standing in the United States.”
After that, students were treated to lunch at Two Sisters restaurant, courtesy of Plantation Properties and the Civic Woman’s Club, Benoit said. They were joined by local Representatives Mark Formby and Timmy Ladner and Senator Angela Hill, Benoit said. Pearl River County Chancery Clerk Melinda Smith Bowman also joined the students on their field trip.
After lunch, students were introduced to state representatives and senators, Benoit said. They also toured the State Capitol.
“The visit to the Mississippi Capitol offered our gifted students an opportunity to view first-hand the most important government building in the state,” Verweij said. “The guided tours of the Capitol and Governor’s mansion offered an overview of Mississippi history while affording students the chance to experience the grandeur of the Mississippi Capitol’s architecture and government functions. The experience reinforces what they are already learning in class about Mississippi’s history and government. Educating our future leaders about their role in our democracy is crucial for our community’s continued success.”