Whittier Tech Students Meet with State and Municipal Leaders at 2024 'Meet Your Rep' Fair

2024 Meet Your Rep Fair. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

Students at Whittier Tech have met with state and municipal leaders at a Meet Your Rep Fair held in the school gym on Friday, Feb. 9.

Headlining the fair were politicians and city employees, including State Sen. Barry R. Finegold, State Sen. Pavel M. Payano, State Rep. Kristin E. Kassner, and Haverhill City Clerk Kaitlin Wright.

The fair was organized as a SkillsUSA Project by senior students Gabriella Ortiz of Haverhill, Owen Brannelly of Amesbury, and Katharine Rocco of Newburyport. 

All students took home a gold medal at the 2023 SkillsUSA Championships.

Seniors Katharine Rocco, Gabriella Ortiz, and Owen Brannelly. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

Aligning with the SkillsUSA portfolio of the American Spirit, the purpose of the fair was to demonstrate a belief in the American way of life, key features of which include citizenship, patriotism and community service.

Superintendent Maureen Lynch said, "Democracy doesn't come easy, it requires 'active citizenship': that includes taking the time to learn about issues affecting your community, and identifying which politician or political party most deserves your vote."

"Vo Tech schools such as Whittier Tech are well-placed to teach students about citizenship given that we bring together so many local businesses and community organizations," Superintendent Lynch said.

Superintendent Lynch thanked all of the state and municipal leaders for attending the fair, especially Haverhill City Clerk and Whittier Tech Alumnus Kaitlin Wright who also spoke to students earlier in December and January.

State Sen. Barry R. Finegold. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

Grade 11 student Isabella Drysdale completes a voter registration form. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

Haverhill City Clerk Kaitlin Wright hands a voter registration form to a student. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)