Students visited the New Jersey General Assembly Chamber where Assemblyman Gary Schaer represents the 36th Legislative District.

By Aleyshka Barbosa ‘19

On May 26, Passaic High School students had the opportunity to travel to our state capital, Trenton, and visit the State House. During this trip, students were able to see firsthand some of the events that take place in the State House.

After a long bus ride from Passaic to Trenton, the students and chaperones, including organizers, Mr. Brubaker and Mr. Ruiz, finally arrived at the State House. The architecture that lines the street of the state house overwhelmed us, because every building has history; each building has an essential purpose to the community and even the state.

Students went to the State House entrance and embarked on a short tour. Every part of the building has a history, some things more modern than others, but all serving a purpose to the establishment. Some parts of the State House were not open due to renovations taking place; however, students were able to visit the Assembly Chamber.
Visiting the Assembly Chamber was truly one of the highlights of the tour; right in the center of the Assembly Chamber there is a chandelier, installed by Thomas Edison’s young Electric Light Company in 1891.

While the students were in the Assembly Chamber, Assemblyman Gary Schaer who represents the New Jersey’s 36th Legislative District, came and briefly spoke to the students. Throughout his words of encouragements to the students, Assemblyman Schaer informed the students that the possibilities of success are endless if they are sought out. As well as giving his point of view on certain issues, Assemblyman Schaer told students about his accomplishments while serving in the New Jersey General Assembly.

Responding to a question from a student, Assemblyman Schaer stated, “I want to live in a society that is sensitive to the needs of everyone in it.”

Newly-inaugurated NJ State Assemblywoman Linda Carter (D-Plainfield) greets Passaic H. S. students outside of the N.J. State House in Trenton. Photo by Mr. Brubaker.

In his closing remarks, Assemblyman Schaer, who resides and has an office in the city of Passaic, shared “Thank you for coming to the State House – I’m really glad to see Passaic here.”

Afterwards, students went to the New Jersey Education Association building where they had the privilege to meet a lobbyist, who shared information about her job responsibilities.

She closed her Q&A with the students by declaring that, “No one in this country gets elected without people who share your similar values, and people spend the time to get to know the person who’s running. Therefore, as students and soon to be adults, it is vital that you know information about the world around you.”

After lunch, students were able to sit in during a general assembly, in which our very own Ms. Carter, a teacher at PHS, had a swearing in ceremony as assemblywoman for the 22nd District of the state of New Jersey. Soon after, students were able to meet with Ms. Carter. With a positive tone, she told to the group, “I am so glad that Passaic students – some of my very own students, were able to be here to experience this with me.” (See Linda Carter: Our Teacher and Assemblywoman)

The day ended with pictures throughout the State Street. When it was finally time to get on the bus, students were smiling and full of encouragement.