Freeport Honors Government Class Tours Courthouse, Jail

by Jonathan Weaver

More than a half-dozen Freeport Senior High School students got a personal insight into county government yesterday.

The Honors Government seniors toured the Armstrong County Courthouse, administration building and jail – all while meeting and being able to ask questions of County leaders along the way.

The tour was orchestrated by Honors Government and Economics Teacher Mark Wyant. The Buffalo Township resident said it was the first student trip to the courthouse in his 28 year teaching career, and hoped the trip ‘whets their appetite’ into getting involved.

“They can impact to elect change,” Wyant said. “If you or I sit back and don’t become involved, other people make decisions for us. Consequently, I think it’s important that we expose young kids to all levels of government so they understand, in order to make their lives better, to make society better, they have to be atavistic, informed citizens in the electoral process.

“County government really is where it’s at because it all comes down to the local level,” Wyant concluded.

Their first stop was at the public commissioners meeting, where after they got to ask questions of Commissioners David Battaglia, Bob Bower and Richard Fink - ranging from their party affiliation to how they first became involved in politics and how to encourage more voting at the upcoming May Primary election.

Commissioners also incorporated Children, Youth and Family Services Administrator Dennis Demangone and Armstrong County Agency on Aging Executive Director Janet Talerico in their discussions.

“I didn’t know when I came on how many hats commissioners wear – it’s a pretty big responsibility,” Fink said. “You have to get acclimated to all these different things when you first come into office – it’s a real learning experience. It’s sort-of amazing what commissioners do.”

During his four years in office, Commissioner Battaglia explained to students that the trio has found ‘common ground’ on issues to further the county rather than compromise.

“It only takes two people to make a decision – that’s a lot of pressure,” Battaglia said. “You can’t wear party hats when you’re in the office.”

Edward Gumble will attend Allegheny College in Meadville this fall for four years of economics, political science and social science. A Mock trial student, he said Wyant impacted his decision, even if he is a tough grader.

“I’m going to make decisions, and they’re going to affect people – but they will be good decisions and affect people in a good way,” Gumble said.

“We’re going to run this country.”

It was also Learning and Gifted Support Teacher Linda Kuruc’s first trip to the courthouse, even though she lives within Armstrong County (in Gilpin Township).

Student Julie Salsgiver will attend Drexel University in Philadelphia this fall for her Masters of Business Administration. Her goal one day is to work for Toyota.

“It’s really interesting – it’s an opportunity that normally someone wouldn’t have so I’m really appreciative of Mr. Wyant and everyone that helped us get this tour,” Salsgiver said.

Students also met with County Director of Tax Claim/Chief Assessor Jeanne Englert, Sheriff Bill Rupert and Assistant District Attorney Chase McClister.

Human Resources Director Daniel Lucovich was glad the students toured.

Lucovich also met the student during their school board meeting since he is Freeport’s board president, but enjoyed getting to know them rather than just seeing their name at musicals or athletic events.

“They cover a lot – they’re a good group of kids,” Lucovich said. “It’s nice to show off things in the county that kids never get a chance to see.”

This school year, Honors students also attended a municipal meeting – South Buffalo Township, Buffalo Township or Freeport Borough - during the first nine weeks, a Freeport School District meeting during the second and now the county commissioners’ regular public meeting.

Each student will write a graded paper on their insights and reactions to commissioner responses.

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