Student Senate witness government ‘in action’

Early this month, the officers of the LaSalle School Student Council had the opportunity to see state government in action. These young men had the chance to not only tour the capital building but meet with Legislators and their staff to learn more about what goes into making government run. The day started with meeting with Kevin Crumb, the Chief of Staff to Senator Rob Ortt (District 62 North Tonawanda) and Amanda Holzer, Legislative Director for Senator Fred Akshar (District 52 Colesville). The students had the chance to ask questions pertaining to the jobs of a Chief of Staff and Legislative Director are and how a bill becomes a law. After these meetings the boys went to the gallery of the Senate to watch session. They saw how quickly bills can pass once they reach the chamber. The boys then had three quick meet and greets with Senator Kathy Marchione (District 43 Halfmoon), Sue Serino (District 41 Hyde Park) and Senator Ortt, who is also the chairman for the Senator Committee on Mental Health and Development Disabilities. From there the boys moved on to the Assembly Chamber where Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin (District 113 Melrose) brought the boys into the chamber and provided a first hand account on how voting takes place. After visiting the Assembly, they ended the day in Senator Neil Breslin’s (District 41 Albany) office. After a whirlwind tour of meetings and pictures the boys got to enjoy a lunch from the food trucks found around West Capital Park!

LaSalle School is a leader in programs and services for youth and families in crisis offering a variety of programs designed to meet their needs including specialized residential placement, day service education, and alternative to detention services. The Counseling Center at LaSalle is an OMH and OASAS licensed outpatient behavioral health clinic located at LaSalle School, and currently implementing ACE treatment practices with youth and families. LaSalle is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), and affiliated with the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA), and the national Alliance for Strong Families and Communities. LaSalle is a member of The New York State Coalition of 853 Schools.