> Woodland Hills Youth Have Capitol Time

April 16, 2010

[St. Paul, Minn. -- ] Eighteen students from Woodland Hills had the lesson of a lifetime in social studies when they attended Duluth Days at the Capitol in March, thanks to ISD 709 educator Tami Stafstrom-Allen, Andy Peterson and the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, businessman John Goldfine and the Harbortown Rotary Club of Duluth.

The youth joined hundreds of others in the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual lobbying event to meet face-to-face with legislators at the state capitol. The students visited with Rep. Carlos Mariani, chair of the K-12 Education Policy and Oversight Committee, and Rep. Mindy Greiling, chair of the Education Finance Division, plus local representatives Yvonne Prettner Solon, Mary Murphy, and Roger Reinert. The students also met with Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge Larry Stauber, Jr. The group toured the capitol to appreciate its historic beauty, plus attended a rally on behalf of Duluth.

“It was an excellent educational opportunity,” said Stafstrom-Allen, who has been arranging capitol visits for Woodland Hills youth for the past several years. Students’ comments to her remarked on an increased understanding of Minnesota’s finances and politics, the capitol’s history and the role of legislators.

The Harbortown Rotarians generously provided funds for the students’ complete business attire, and Goldfine made sure the students had lunch and transportation. Stafstrom-Allen and the chamber coordinated the itinerary and served as chaperones and role models for the students.

The event is a wonderful teaching tool for Woodland Hills youth, many of whom have significant educational goals as a part of their treatment plan. More than 1,000 young people participate in Woodland Hills programs each year. The private non-profit agency offers a continuum of care ranging from a free after-school program for Duluth youth to residential treatment for adolescents and young adults. Its mission is to cultivate assets and build on strengths in youth so they may realize their potential.