Politics & Government

State Rep. Mark Ouimet Welcomes Local Students to Capitol

Students become 'representatives for a day' after competing in a summer reading contest.

Several Washtenaw County students served as “representatives for a day” with state Rep. Mark Ouimet (R-Scio Township) at the state capitol in October after being named winners of the inaugural "Ouimet Summer Reading Contest."

The students met with Ouimet, participated in a mock committee hearing, took a ceremonial oath of office, had their pictures taken inside the Michigan House chamber, watched an actual legislative session from the House gallery and toured the capitol building.

“It was a fun event that provided a great opportunity for area young people to get an up-close look at how the legislative process works,” Ouimet said. “In many respects it was an interactive classroom that hopefully will build on what students have learned in school.”

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Serving the 52nd District as "representatives for a day" were: Joshua Birchler, Anthony Birchler, Aaron Kofsky, Jadal Williams, all of Ann Arbor; Sam Scarlett of Saline and Andrew Covert of Dexter.

The students’ parents also attended the event.

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“Visiting the capitol and the House chambers can be an inspiring experience,” Ouimet said.  “Who knows? The next time these students walk onto the House floor it could be as elected state representatives.”

Ouimet sponsored the contest to help retain and improve upon students’ reading skills during the summer break. Elementary school students in the 52nd District picked up special contest bookmarks at all local libraries and kept track of the books read over the summer. 

Another summer reading contest is planned in 2012.


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