The trip to Jefferson City helps students gain a better understanding of government while experiencing the inner workings of the Missouri House of Representatives.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — On March 12, School of the Ozarks seventh graders took their annual trip to Jefferson City, Missouri, to meet with government officials and tour the Capitol Building. This trip helps students gain a better understanding of government while experiencing the inner workings of the Missouri House of Representatives.

Students had an opportunity to sit in the gallery and enjoy the representatives’ discussion and the process of voting on bills. Additionally, they were able to meet with Taney County Representative Brian Seitz.

Seitz welcomed the students into his office, described his work as a representative, and answered the students' questions. Seitz also allowed students to have further interaction with the Missouri House of Representatives by introducing them on the house floor. The visit was concluded with a tour of the Capitol’s art and architecture.

Representative Seitz welcomes the students into his office and gives the students an opportunity to ask questions.

Della Kolter, seventh grade student at School of the Ozarks, shared how the trip impacted her understanding of Missouri government.

“This trip brings an understanding of government to life more than just reading about it in a textbook,” Kolter said. “Going on the trip taught us a lot about Missouri's history and state government. It brought us more of a context of where we're from.”

Pilgrim Wiley, seventh grade student at School of the Ozarks, shared how this trip gave him a better understanding of how to be a responsible citizen of the United States.

 “I had no idea how complicated it was to create a law,” Wiley said. “It was really helpful to understand the government process of making bills. I now have a much better understanding of what the government does for us and why it's important to vote for representatives.”

Jennifer Carey, lead teacher at School of the Ozarks, shared why this trip is beneficial to students and why it is an important part of the students’ learning.

“We encourage our students to get involved in government service to share the light of Christ with the nation and promote conservative values,” Carey said. “We also know that this trip sparks a love and appreciation for living in community, for recognizing those who are willing to serve their fellow citizens, for learning from our predecessors, and for appreciating and creating beautiful art and architecture – all key components of a classical Christian education.”