State Senator George Maziarz (R, C – 62nd District), Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – 139th District) and Congressman Chris Lee’s (NY-26) representative, Nick Langworthy, joined 150 fourth grade social studies students at Oak Orchard Elementary School in Medina for the Medina Lions Club sponsored Liberty Day Project. The purpose of the project is to bring representatives from each branch of government into the classroom to teach students about the United States Constitution.

“It’s always great to be able to talk to students about how state government works. It’s important for them to learn from an early age that they do have a voice in Albany and that they are part of the political process. Whether they travel to Albany or I visit them in the classroom, that’s a message I always try to impart to them—that their voice does count,” said Senator Maziarz.

“I would like to thank Donna Bushover and Jim Hancock, from the Medina Lions Club, for sponsoring this program and the students and educators at Oak Orchard, particularly Kathy Valley, for inviting us into the classroom. Despite the fact that many students are unable to make the annual trip to Albany, we are pleased to be able to utilize innovative methods to bring Albany to Medina,” said Assemblyman Hawley.

Hawley continued, “It’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with the students about the foundation of the democratic process. It is important for all of us to remember the fundamental rights our nation is based on, and it humbles us to remember the historic efforts of our founding fathers in creating our great nation.”

“I want to express my appreciation to the Medina Lions Club for holding this event and helping our teachers and students bring the nation’s founding documents to life. It’s never too early to engage our young people and get them interested in our unique system of government,” stated Congressman Chris Lee.

Liberty Day is celebrated annually on March 16 to mark the birthday of founding father James Madison. Maziarz, Hawley and Lee were invited to represent the legislative branch. Deputy Mayor of Medina, Andrew Meier, and New York State 8th District Supreme Court Justice, Tracey Banniater, represented the executive and judicial branches, respectively.

To celebrate Liberty Day, the students completed class projects and assignments related to the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence and civic service, in addition to participating in the guest speakers’ presentations. Maziarz and Hawley presented a 30-minute interactive slide presentation regarding the Constitution’s creation, the importance of the Bill of Rights, and explained their duties as state representatives. Nick Langworthy, representative for Congressman Chris Lee, also presented a slide show to the students that detailed the role of the federal government and civic participation.