The fifth grade class at St. John’s Episcopal School got the exciting opportunity earlier this month. Congressman Jeb Hensarling (R-Dallas) visited them to speak about the structure of our country, its founding fathers, the legislative process and the United States Constitution.
Rep. Hensarling is the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and has served in the House of Representatives for 10 years. He represents the Fifth District of Texas, which includes parts of East Dallas, Garland and Mesquite and extends into portions of east Texas.
As you can imagine, the students were excited to chat with Hensarling, particularly about his daily activities while in Washington, D.C. He told them a typical day in the life of a congressman consists of long days, many appointments and meeting with diverse groups of people. While sponsoring a bill, he said the days are even more grueling.
The students had been learning about the founding of the United States and the development of the Constitution in social studies, so they were well-prepared for the visit, and Hensarling commended them for their insightful questions and answers.
When asked by Jane Hamilton about his favorite part of being a congressman, Rep. Hensarling spoke of his “passion for individual liberty” and desire for the people to maintain control of the government and country.
Social studies teacher Lynn Granello said, “Interacting with Rep. Hensarling was a wonderful opportunity for our students to see the face of U.S. government. Students were engaged and eager to prepare for his visit and also to ask questions regarding his job and the workings of the U.S. Congress. His presentation was a wonderful gift to the students of St. John’s.”
Subsequent to Rep. Hensarling’s presentation, fifth graders will create a video to explain the contents of the United States Constitution in simple terms that can be understood by Lower and Middle School students.
