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Fifth-grade students of the June Buchanan School traveled to the State Capitol in Frankfort on Wednesday, March 1st, for a lesson in the legislative process, and the rich history behind Kentucky’s state government.“JBS is committed to teaching our students about their roots as Kentuckians and their roles as citizens,” Dean Amanda Clark explained, “We want our students to have an understanding of the way the state government shapes their environment.”

“JBS is committed to teaching our students about their roots as Kentuckians and their roles as citizens,” Dean Amanda Clark explained, “We want our students to have an understanding of the way the state government shapes their environment.”

Governor Matt Bevin welcomed the students to his office in the new capitol building, where they were permitted to sit in on a legislative session, and were recognized by Representative Brandon Smith.

JBS students were also met by local Representative Johnny Ray Turner and newly elected State Senator John Blanton, who were happy to explain the work they were doing there in Frankfort, as well as remind students that they could be the lawmakers one day.

In fact, that’s just what they learned about. Students toured the historic chambers of the Old Kentucky Capitol building, learning about the legislative process by participating in the Kentucky Historical Society’s Mock Law Making. This process is designed to show students the complicated aspects of drafting a bill, getting it through the legislature, and getting it signed into law. A “Judge” from the fifth-grade class was appointed to count votes, while the rest were appointed Representatives in the “legislature.”

The class capped their day off with a tour of the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, absorbing stories about historic Kentuckians and the state’s history from the wild frontier of the 1700s to the modern US state in the twenty-first century.

“This sort of hands-on learning is what students love,” Dean Clark said. “History teaches young learners about society and change while providing a sense of identity and inspiring them to look to the future.”

JBS believes students are the future of Kentucky, and encourages active learning outside the classroom in addition to excellence in the classroom. As always, the school operates according to the motto of Alice Lloyd and June Buchanan: “The leaders are here.”