Old Rochester Regional High School student Olivia Thompson attended Student Government Day at the State House, where she voiced her support of a bill that proposed guidelines for AI use in schools. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — Old Rochester Regional High School is pleased to share that Olivia Thompson, a junior and member of the Class of 2027, recently participated in the statewide Student Government Day.
On April 10, Olivia and ORRHS Spanish teacher Kelly Ochoa traveled to the State House to participate in the annual Student Government Day.
Student Government Day, formerly known as Good Government Day, is an informative program about state government that includes students taking on the role of elected or appointed officials to observe the processes of government. The goal of the event is to provide an immersive experience in the state legislative process by allowing students to engage with representatives and empowering them to voice their own informed views on current legislation.
During their visit, Olivia and Ochoa met with state Rep. Mark Sylvia and Old Rochester alumnus Eddie Gonet for a tour of the State House and visited state Sen. Mark Montigny’s office. Gonet formerly served as an intern in Sen. Montigny’s office.
Olivia participated in a student-led legislative session and shared her support of House Bill H.614, which proposes the Commissioner of Education develop guidelines for Artificial Intelligence (AI) use in schools. The student bill was passed.
The discussions Olivia heard during Student Government Day directly related to lessons Old Rochester students have encountered in their curriculum. Last year, students debated a bill that, if enacted, would ban cell phone usage during the school day. Two days before her visit, the Massachusetts state representatives passed a similar bill to ban cell phone usage in school. The Senate had previously passed the bill, and it is now returning to the Senate for a review of modifications.
“Student Government Day is a unique opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of how their government works,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “The hands-on nature of the event allows students to speak with representatives, voice their opinions and actively participate in the legislative process. Programs such as this one encourage young people to become active participants in democratic society.”
“We are thrilled that Olivia was elected to participate in Student Government Day,” said Principal Michael Devoll. “We wish to thank state Rep. Mark Sylvia for taking the time to meet with her. This event offers an exciting experience and provides students with new perspectives on how the government functions. We were proud to have Olivia represent Old Rochester at the State House.”
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