WAKEFIELD — Superintendent David DiBari is pleased to announce that Northeast Metro Tech hosted an assembly that brought together three state representatives from the district’s sending community to educate students about civics and state government.
The 2024 Northeast Civics Annual Meeting was held on Friday, May 24, in the school cafeteria and was attended by State Rep. Kate Lipper Garabedian of Melrose, State Rep. Steve Ultrino of Marden and State Rep. Jessica Giannino of Revere.
The congregation was created after Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration signed the Promoting and Enhancing Civic Participation Act, which mandates a civics project for all students.
All three state representatives participated in a question and answer session with Northeastern students, answering a variety of questions about their positions and responsibilities.
“The 2024 Northeast Metro Tech Civic Assembly was a hugely successful and inspiring endeavor for our community on all fronts. Connecting students with inspiring and well-established legislators was a valuable experience for all involved,” said Lou DelGaudio, chair of the English and Social Studies Department. “The legislators were able to connect deeply with our diverse student body, thanks in large part to the honesty and commitment they showed onstage when answering students’ questions. Students were given the opportunity to ask appropriate, relevant questions and engage in respectful dialogue with people who are in a position to make legislative changes in their communities.”
“It was a real pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with Northeast Metro Tech students about our work as elected officials,” said Councilman Ultrino of Malden. “It was heartwarming to see so many students so engaged and interested in a variety of issues that concern them and their community!”
“I am excited to join my colleagues from Northeast Metro Tech to speak about our role in the State Legislature and the importance of civics,” said Rep. Giannino, D-Revere. “It is so important that our students embrace their civic responsibilities with the same dedication and passion they bring to their careers. Together, we can build not only strong careers, but strong communities as well.”
“As a former teacher and education attorney, I was honored to join my Congressional colleagues at the Northeast Metro Tech State Representative Conference,” said Rep. Ripper Garabedian of Melrose. “The conference was a great opportunity to discuss the work of the State Legislature and hear student input. I hope this event inspires Northeast Metro Tech students to become civically engaged on policy issues that matter to them.”
Students responded positively to the opportunity and said they learned a lot by engaging with state government leaders.
“I feel like this rally has taught me the importance of making change in Massachusetts and in all cities,” said Ashley Diaz Lanza of Revere. “We may not agree on certain things, but if we want change, we can work to make change happen. I learned a lot from my representatives.”
“This was a great learning opportunity and I think it was good to learn about my local legislator,” said Valentine Romero Portillo of Revere.. “Local councillors are important. If we want to change something in the city, we need to start with them.”
“The meeting was very informative about civic life and personal behavior,” said Essien Clark of Malden. “I liked that each council member shared background on their life and what makes them successful in their jobs.”
