SHARON, Pa. — Penn State Shenango welcomed more than 70 middle schoolers and educators from across the county to campus for the America250PA Mercer County Middle School Civics Summit on Friday, Nov. 21. The event, organized by the Mercer County Board of Commissioners, featured elected officials from various levels of government, as well as local community leaders.
The 5th and 6th graders experienced interactive sessions in various locations around campus on topics pertaining to state, county, and local governments, discussing how they are structured and how government affects their lives every day. Additionally, the students enjoyed a history quiz as part of the America250PA campaign and even took part in a mock election.
“They're having a lot of fun, they're learning a lot, and they're asking a lot of questions,” said Eric Horvath, social studies teacher in the Hermitage School District.
Having the opportunity to speak directly with elected officials and learn about how local governments function was one of the major takeaways for students, according to Horvath.
“We're so focused on history, that we don't really talk about local government,” Horvath said. “I think the county and local government will be something that they enjoy learning more about.”
“I always enjoy opportunities to connect the campus to the community as often as possible, and believe it to be mutually beneficial in a number of ways,” said Frank Gargiulo, director of development and alumni relations at Penn State Shenango. Gargiulo also serves on the Mercer County America250PA Committee.
“All three Mercer County Commissioners were here. We had a commissioner from Venango County, and representatives from the state legislature, economic development entities, elections, corrections, tourism, townships and cities,” Gargiulo said. “Hopefully, the ensuing conversations and discussions will generate solutions and ideas to help the people in our region.”