Student Participates in Shadowing Project
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Alexa Mesmer, a junior at North Shelby High School, participated in the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Legislative Shadowing Project on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Cristy Jones is the local chapter adviser and accompanied the students to the Capital City. Sponsored by the Missouri Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), the program provides an opportunity for junior and senior high school students to spend a day with their state representative, senator or other public officials at the State Capitol. The students observe hearings, meetings, and other public duties. Alexa was able to shadow two representatives. In the morning she was able to shadow Brad Pollitt and sat in on hearings about education. Later in the day she was able to shadow Greg Sharpe.
The Legislative Shadowing Project, now in its 23rd year, is conducted by Missouri FCCLA, the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for family consumer sciences and human services education. A reception and opening session was held for participants on Tuesday, February 28. Tours of the State Capitol, Governor’s Mansion and Supreme Court Building also were provided.
The Legislative Shadowing Project allows students to connect their interests in law, public service, civic issues and the political process and its impact on citizens.
FCCLA attempts to match students with officials from their local school districts wherever possible. The students prepare for the event by becoming familiar with their official’s responsibilities and current issues. If matched with a legislator, the student becomes knowledgeable about the bills introduced and committees on which the legislator serves.
FCCLA is a nonprofit student organization for young men and women, grades 6-12, in family consumer sciences education. Missouri FCCLA has more than 8,416 members in nearly 276 local chapters.