GOVERNOR PATRICK AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MURRAY WELCOME STUDENTS TO STATE HOUSE FOR 65TH ANNUAL STUDENT GOVERNMENT DAY

Governor Patrick presents the “Student Government Day” proclamation to Student Governor Sofia Pagliuca of Nazareth Academy in Wakefield. (Photo credit: Meghan Dhaliwal / Governor's Office). View additional photos.

BOSTON – Friday, April 13, 2012 – Governor Deval Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray today joined education officials, legislators and hundreds of students from across the Commonwealth at the State House for the 65th Annual Student Government Day. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor helped kick off the day’s activities during a morning welcoming ceremony in Gardner Auditorium.

“The youth voice is extremely important for a productive and effective state government,” said Governor Patrick. “I am proud to welcome these students here today, who already understand the importance of civic engagement, and working together to fulfill our generational responsibility.”

“It is great to see so many young students engaged in civics and state government,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray. “Students today are our future leaders, and we will continue to encourage active community engagement as we build a stronger Commonwealth for future generations.”

The Student Government Day program was first enacted by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1947. One Friday in April each year, students from across the Commonwealth gather at the State House to learn about the role of state government. The program provides educators and students from Massachusetts' public and private high schools with an opportunity to learn firsthand about state government and have direct interactions with their local officials.

Student Government Day participants are selected by a process similar to local elections. Their elections are held in high schools throughout the state, traditionally on the first Tuesday in November, to elect the student delegates and alternates who will participate in the program.

"The Student Government Day program is an excellent way to get our young people civically engaged and to help them better understand the ins and outs of public service," said Secretary of Education Paul Reville.

During Student Government Day, students play the role of elected or appointed officials to better understand what that individual’s role is in state government. Students also participate in mock debates, simulated committee hearings and House and Senate formal sessions.

For more information on Student Government Day and to find student participants from your city or town, click here. This year’s student leaders for the day include:

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