Congressman Visits
Huntington High School
United States Representative Steve Israel visited with Huntington High School students during a recent stop there. The congressman was invited to the school by senior Alexa Giammarino.
Mr. Israel met in the school auditorium with students enrolled in AP Government and Participation in Government courses. The teenagers engaged him in a question-and-answer session of a variety of topics, including health care, Afghanistan, President Obama's economic stimulus plan and related issues.
"I was very impressed with the specificity and relevance of the questions our students asked," Principal Carmela Leonardi said. "Congressman Israel was very open to questions and comprehensive in his answers."
A somewhat surprisingly high percentage of Huntington High School students follow politics regularly and some even participate in political party events, including volunteering with local campaigns. More than a few students around the building can frequently be heard animatedly discussing the issues of the day.
"I was so pleased that the congressman took the time to come and explain to the students 'real' government and how he performs in the job," said Debbora Mellon, a social studies at the school. "He afforded the students an opportunity to question him and hear real answers to real questions."
Students listened intently as Mr. Israel explained the meaning of politics from "not just not just a politician's perspective, but from an academic political science angle," Ms. Mellon said. "I hope he can continue these visits in the upcoming years."