Ohio Statehouse Rep. Dr. Anita Somani visited the high school Tuesday, March 25 to educate students about the bill-to-law process and lead a workshop on how to write effective testimony.
Social studies teacher Anna Schottenstein said she wanted to organize a workshop to teach students how they could make changes in the state.
“I had a student approach me asking how they could influence legislation,” she said. “Since most students can’t vote, I thought about what they could do to have their voice heard.”
Schottenstein added writing testimony is a way for minors to initiate changes, and a state representative would be helpful in teaching students.
“I believed having someone who reads testimonies all the time would be an effective way for students to learn how they could write and submit testimony,” she said.
Schottenstein added she wanted someone who had strengths in teaching students.
“I know Somani’s very intellectually and educationally driven,” she said.
Somani added she is in her second term at the Statehouse, currently for District 8, and is also a practicing OB/GYN.
Somani said there are many benefits of both written and oral testimony.
“If you’re comfortable with public speaking, or if you want practice public speaking, then oral testimony is a great way to go,” she explained.
Written testimony can be less time consuming and easier to deliver, since people don’t have to do so in person, she added.
Somani explained current bills students may be interested in to bring attention to certain topics, such as SB-1, which restricts how professors can teach certain topics.
“If I’m given an opportunity to talk to young minds that are open to hearing things, then we are happy to spend the time,” she said.
Junior Javi Diez said he found the workshop informative due to his curiosity about the state government.
“I’m seeing bills and policies being passed that the majority of Ohioans don’t agree with,” he added. “I feel like I can’t just sit here idly and let things happen.”
Junior Ellie Ramsey said the event taught her skills for her future.
“I’ll probably do oral testimony in college, so I’m glad I got to learn about it,” she said.
Schottenstein said she thought the workshop was successful because of student interaction with Somani.
“I was very happy with the feedback and watching students engage, ask questions and think the entire time,” she explained.
Schottenstein said it was important this opportunity was open to everyone, including the administration.
“I thought it was really cool the superintendent, the Board president and our treasurer were there,” she said. “I think it speaks volumes to their willingness to stand up for students’ rights.”
