Thursday, March 12, 2026
photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor
State Sen. Gene Yaw welcomes high school students from the five counties in his district to his Student Government Seminar, which opened in the Field House before students sat on committees to debate and try to pass mock legislation. He told participants that he hoped they would learn the meaning of compromise.
More than 200 students from 16 school districts attended a Pennsylvania Senate Student Government Seminar at Penn College on Thursday. Hosted by state Sen. Gene Yaw, who is also chair of Penn College’s Board of Directors, the mock senate session allowed attendees to sit on committees, develop their positions on legislation, debate issues and learn what it takes to get a law passed or defeated.
“I’m thrilled that this event is being held again on our campus,” college President Michael J. Reed told attendees. “What an incredible opportunity for you to gain an understanding of what occurs and how it occurs in Harrisburg.”
In addition to high school attendees, 50 panelists from various facets of state and local government – including state Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jessica Shirley, state representatives, county commissioners, lobbyists, law enforcement, and Williamsport’s mayor – attended the event to serve as panelists.
“Today you’ll have the opportunity to interact with some of the top government officials in Pennsylvania,” Yaw said. “One of the things that makes this the best Student Government Seminar is the number of people interested in coming here and sharing a day with you.”
Dressed for success: Students offer applause during the day’s opening events, which included an interactive “Dynamics of the Legislative Process” presentation by Drew Crompton, a lawyer and former Commonwealth Court judge.
President Michael J. Reed welcomes the senators-for-a-day.
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