On February 26, the LGI Room at Smith-Wade-El Elementary became a space for civic dialogue led by students.
Fourth and fifth graders gathered for a Civic Town Hall that brought elected officials into their school for a focused, student-driven conversation. State Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El joined a panel that also included Jennifer Eaton, President of the School Board, and William Laudien, Lancaster Township Supervisor. They sat side by side, ready to listen.
In the weeks leading up to the town hall, students prepared intentionally. Teachers guided them through discussions about local government, community leadership, and how laws and policies are shaped. Students brainstormed issues that mattered to them, refined their questions, and practiced speaking clearly into a microphone. By the time the panel began, they were ready.
Students asked about neighborhood safety, road improvements, school funding, and how leaders balance different community needs. They wanted to know what it takes to run for office and how adults make difficult decisions that affect families and schools. Some questions reflected personal experiences. Others showed curiosity about how systems work behind the scenes.
Panelists responded thoughtfully, breaking down complex processes into language that felt accessible without being simplified. Representative Smith-Wade-El shared how constituent voices shape his work in Harrisburg. President Eaton spoke about the role of the School Board in setting policy and overseeing the district. Supervisor Laudien explained how township government supports infrastructure and community services. Each response connected civic responsibility to everyday life in Lancaster.
The Civic Town Hall gave students the chance to move beyond learning about government in a textbook. They experienced it firsthand. They practiced public speaking, critical thinking, and respectful dialogue in real time.
Principal Amy Martz and the Smith-Wade-El team worked closely with Representative Smith-Wade-El’s office to coordinate the logistics and ensure students were prepared for a meaningful exchange. Microphones and AV equipment were set up in the LGI Room to create a professional setting that mirrored real civic forums, reinforcing that student voice deserves the same respect as any public meeting.
At Smith-Wade-El Elementary, students left the room with a deeper understanding that their voices matter and that leadership is not defined by age. They were participants in a conversation about their community.
On this afternoon, civic learning wasn’t theoretical. It was alive in the room. For more photos, visit us on Facebook.
