Civics Engagement Club Travels to Boston
During Easter Vacation, the Mount Civic Engagement Club traveled to Boston to participate in a Senate Immersion Module at the Edward M. Kennedy Senate Institute. They took on the roles of U.S. Senators, debated election reform, and experienced democracy in action on a full-scale replica of the Senate floor.
“Watching my students get sworn in as United States Senators gave me goosebumps," said Joanne Cadigan-Peters, Social Studies Department Chairperson and Civic Engagement Club Moderator. "In that moment, I saw all the possibilities their futures could hold. Watching them collaborate, debate, and thoughtfully navigate real-world election reform was nothing short of inspiring. Every single student found their voice and rose to the occasion. This experience at the Edward M. Kennedy Senate Institute, on a full-scale replica of the Senate floor was worth every mile of travel. I’ve had this opportunity on my radar for five years, and I am so grateful that we finally made it happen. I want to thank the Amanda Rose Laura Foundation for their scholarship that helped make this trip possible. Real issues. Real debate. Real civic learning. Thank you to Mrs. Milej for chaperoning the trip with me."
On the second day of the trip, Mount students spent the morning immersed in presidential history with a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.
Mrs. Cadigan-Peters explained, "Our tour guide, Max, brought history to life—keeping us on our toes with thoughtful questions, engaging stories, and a dynamic presentation. Students were fully engaged as we explored pivotal moments from the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. From the Cold War to the Civil Rights Movement, Max made it all feel vivid and relevant. It was truly an amazing experience, stepping back in time and walking through history in such a powerful and beautifully curated space."
Kayla Marion '25 added, "The Boston trip was a great way to learn about American history and our system of government while bonding with classmates and friends. The JFK Presidential library taught me a lot about the time period of the 60's and about JFK himself; the Election Reform SIM at the Edward M. Kennedy Senate Institute was also engaging and informative. Thank you to the Amanda Rose Laura Foundation for making this opportunity possible."
"Our trip to Boston was amazing! It was very educational learning about the Kennedy family and all of their accomplishments at the JFK Presidential Library," said Wanshu Tang '25. "The Senate Simulation at the Edward Kennedy Senate Institute allowed us to have an understanding of lawmaking beyond our textbooks. Additionally Boston is a very beautiful city and I had a great time with my friends."
"Attending the Edward M. Kennedy Senate Simulation and touring the JFK Presidential Library are two experiences I will never forget. Through my government and politics courses and my role as Secretary of Mount's Civic Engagement Club, I’ve gained a strong foundation in political science. But participating in these two incredible programs allowed me to go beyond the classroom—immersing myself in the world of civic leadership and gaining invaluable new knowledge and skills. I want to sincerely thank the Amanda Rose Laura Foundation for helping to fund this experience. We couldn't have had this unforgettable opportunity without your generous support," said Brigid Cogan '25.
"Attending the Edward M. Kennedy Senate Simulation and touring the JFK Presidential Library are two experiences I will never forget. Through my government and politics courses and my role as Secretary of Mount's Civic Engagement Club, I’ve gained a strong foundation in political science. But participating in these two incredible programs allowed me to go beyond the classroom—immersing myself in the world of civic leadership and gaining invaluable new knowledge and skills. I want to sincerely thank the Amanda Rose Laura Foundation for helping to fund this experience. We couldn't have had this unforgettable opportunity without your generous support," said Brigid Cogan '25.
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