We believe that education extends beyond the walls of the classroom. It is about fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and active participation in the world around us. This philosophy was on full display during Burrowes Elementary School’s recently kicked off its Government Officials series, where fourth-grade students had the unique opportunity to engage with local leaders and deepen their understanding of civic responsibility.
As part of their government unit, fourth-grade students at Burrowes ES have been learning about state and local government, the structure of governance, and the role of elected officials in shaping their communities. To complement this curriculum, Burrowes ES invited local government leaders to speak directly with students, providing invaluable real-world connections to their studies.
Jaime Arroyo, Vice President of Lancaster City Council and a mayoral candidate, joined students to discuss the importance of civic engagement and local governance. His message was clear: early exposure to government and its functions fosters long-term participation in democracy. As Arroyo shared, “Awareness at an early age increases civic engagement later on. The younger that you can speak to folks about the decisions that are being made every day that impact their lives, the more likely they’ll be to be involved at a later age.”
For many students, this was their first direct interaction with a government official. The experience allowed them to put a face to a title and gain firsthand insights into the responsibilities and impact of local leadership. Dr. Alex Rohrer, Burrowes ES Community School Director, emphasized the significance of these interactions. “One of the things with the community school model is enhancing learning for students by providing real opportunities like this. It also gives them the chance to connect with community members they may not have been able to meet otherwise.”
As the series progresses, students will have the privilege of hearing from other distinguished local leaders, including:
- City Councilwoman and mayoral candidate Janet Diaz
- SDoL Board Members Molly Henderson and Dave Parry
- Lancaster County Commissioner Alice Yoder
- Lancaster County Township Supervisor Chair Iber Guerrero Lopez.
Each of these officials brought unique perspectives on governance and community leadership, further expanding students’ understanding of civic engagement.
By meeting leaders like Jaime Arroyo and others, students not only learned about government, they saw themselves reflected in it. Arroyo, a Lancaster native and SDoL alum, represents an example of how local education and civic engagement can shape future leaders. Dr. Rohrer reinforced this idea, noting that exposure to role models from similar backgrounds helps students envision their own potential in leadership and public service.
This initiative aligns with the broader mission of SDoL to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage meaningfully in their communities. It also underscores the critical role educators play in fostering civic-minded individuals. As Arroyo pointed out, schools can support young voters by creating these direct connections and ensuring that students understand their voices matter.
As we approach the next election cycle, we encourage all eligible members of our community to follow in the footsteps of our young learners and stay engaged. The upcoming primary election is on May 20, with the general election set for November 4. The deadline to register to vote is May 5. These dates serve as a reminder that civic engagement begins with awareness and action.
We commend the staff at Burrowes Elementary for organizing this initiative and thank the local leaders who took the time to invest in the future of our students. Through programs like this, we reaffirm our commitment to shaping not only scholars but also engaged citizens who will lead Lancaster and beyond in the years to come. For more photos, follow SDoL and Burrowes ES on social media!