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Fourth-grade students from Mossyrock Elementary School recently had an opportunity to learn about state government and civic engagement during a visit to the Washington state Capitol in Olympia with state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, according to a news release from House Republicans.
The visit gave students a firsthand look at how state government works, from touring the historic Capitol building to engaging in discussions about the legislative process. Abbarno welcomed the students, answered their thoughtful questions and shared insights about his role in representing the 20th Legislative District, according to the release.
"These fourth-grade Vikings had an unforgettable experience seeing democracy in action and asking great questions about how laws are made," said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus chair. "Opportunities like this help bring classroom lessons on government and civics to life."
During their visit, the students explored key areas of the Capitol and saw where laws are debated and decided.
The trip to the Capitol supports the Mossyrock School District's commitment to enriching academic experiences beyond the classroom and to building civic awareness among young learners, the release stated.
"I truly enjoyed spending time with the Mossyrock kids and seeing their enthusiasm for learning about what happens under the dome in Olympia," Abbarno added. "Their curiosity and creative questions were impressive. Visits like this help these kids understand that government belongs to the people, and I hope this experience encourages them to stay engaged and involved in their community."
For more information on scheduling a Capitol tour, families and educators can call 360-902-8880 or email tours@des.wa.gov.
