Cornell Cooperative Extension Of Oswego County Celebrates 50+ Years Of Oswego County Government Day

MEXICO, NY – Oswego County Government Day celebrates more than 50 years of fostering civic awareness and engaging future leaders, giving seventh-grade students the opportunity to see how local government functions. “It’s wonderful to reflect on the many students and future leaders we’ve shared this unique experience with over the past five decades,” shared Paul Forestiere, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County (CCE Oswego).

Oswego County Government Day is set up to be a fun and engaging opportunity for students to learn more about how their county government functions. One seventh-grade student from each of the county’s 25 legislative districts is selected to participate based on academic ability and interest in social studies. The selected students tour local government offices, such as the 9-1-1 Center and the Sheriff’s Department, and speak with county officials, like the district attorney and county judge, learning from all how they serve our community. Students also participate in a mock resolution, covering issues from environmental impacts of energy production to cell phone use in schools. The day ends with attendance at an official legislative session, where the participants get to sit with their representatives and see real government in action. One student commented, “I got to see things many kids don’t get to see.”

“The program provides a hands-on look at local democracy and reinforces the importance of civic participation,” Forestiere said.

            For more information about CCE Oswego, visit its website at thatscooperativeextension.org or call the office at 315-963-7286.