Pennsylvania state Senator hosts high school students for ‘Senator for a Day’ at Thiel College

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- High school students from across northwestern Pennsylvania gathered at Thiel College on Tuesday, April 14, for Senator Michele Brooks’ annual “Senator for a Day” seminar, an immersive civic engagement experience designed to educate students on the legislative process and the responsibilities of public service.

The event attracted 108 and 21 teachers from 20 public and private high schools in Crawford, Lawrence and Mercer counties. The program provided students with a hands-on opportunity to step into the role of a state senator for the day. Participants engaged in mock Senate committee hearings, collaborated on policy discussions, and concluded with a full Senate session, simulating real-world legislative procedures.

Brooks and Thiel College Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs Sheila Nowinski, Ph.D. delivered opening remarks. Students then heard from Drew Crompton, a former Commonwealth Court judge, offering insight into Pennsylvania’s legislative operations before breaking into committee groups.

Committee sessions focused on key areas of government, including appropriations, education, law and justice, health and human services, and state government. These sessions allowed students to debate issues, analyze proposed legislation, and develop a deeper understanding of policymaking at the state level.

Following lunch, students reconvened for a talk by Thiel College Associate Professor of Political Science and director of the College’s nationally accomplished moot court team, Eric Matthews, Ph.D. The event concluded with a full Senate session, where students presented and voted on their legislative proposals before adjourning in the afternoon.

“Senator for a Day” is part of Senator Brooks’ continued commitment to civic education, giving students firsthand exposure to the legislative process and encouraging future involvement in government and public service. The program emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership as essential skills for informed citizenship. Through partnerships with local schools and institutions like Thiel College, the seminar continues to provide meaningful, real-world experiences that connect students directly with state government.

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