Montgomery County juniors Olivia Spurgeon and Mariah Fish were selected to participate in the Missouri FCCLA Legislative Shadowing Program, which is held in the spring of each Legislative Session.

Missouri FCCLA juniors and senior chapter members are encouraged to complete an application to be selected to attend. Spurgeon and Fish were among the 50 chosen applicants this year.

As part of the program’s 25th year, Missouri FCCLA hosted a reception and opening session for all participants on April 21.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Chief of Governmental Affairs Perry Gorrell reviewed the legislative process and Capitol etiquette to attendees. This shadowing experience allows students to connect their interests in law, public service, civic issues and the political process with their education as well as the vision and mission of FCCLA.

FCCLA attempts to match students with officials from their local school districts whenever possible. The students prepare for the event by becoming familiar with their assigned elected official’s responsibilities and current issues.

On April 22, Fish and Spurgeon met at the Missouri Capitol with Representative Bruce Sassmann for Missouri FCCLA’s Legislative Shadowing Day. The two girls shadowed him throughout his morning to see what a day at the Missouri Capitol looks like.

There, they learned about how a new legislature is passed, about current pieces that were discussed from a big Public Safety Act to Daylight Savings Time and even how fiscal reviews are handled for legislation that has been passed.

The highlight of the day was when both Fish and Spurgeon were introduced on the Missouri House floor by Representative Sassmann and received certificates of recognition for being put on the page for The House’s Floor Session. Both girls enjoyed a day of learning, leadership and new experiences, thanks to Representative Sassmann and his legislative assistant, Jill Ryals.