Sen. Carney, Reps. Boyer and Kessler host seniors from Cape Elizabeth High School for Senior Transition Projects

AUGUSTA — From May 12 to May 23, Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth; Rep. Michelle Boyer, D-Cape Elizabeth; and Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, hosted five Cape Elizabeth High School seniors for an educational experience at the Maine State House. The students — Andrew Choi, Geo Lobozzo, Isabelle Reeves, Tori Stevens and Vollie Weiss — shadowed legislators and attended caucuses, House and Senate sessions and committee meetings.

“I really enjoyed hosting these seniors at the State House to give them a firsthand look at working in public service,” said Sen. Carney. “It’s exciting to see the skills they have gained from participating in activities such as Model United Nations, Mock Trial and local elections that prepare them for their future paths in life. I hope a week at the State House leads them to work as a legislator or in one of the many fascinating, non-partisan legislative roles available in Augusta or Washington, D.C. I thank them for all of their help in the State House, and I wish them all the best as they head off to college next year.”

“It was an honor to show some of Cape Elizabeth High School’s students around the State House over the past couple weeks,” said Rep. Boyer. “I always enjoy the opportunity to connect with young people in our community and give them a first-hand look at how state government works. Their intelligence and curiosity will set them up well to be the leaders of tomorrow, and I can’t wait to see what they all accomplish in their future endeavors.” 

“I was thrilled to meet the STP students from Cape Elizabeth High School,” said Rep. Kessler. “It’s always encouraging to see young Mainers take an interest in our legislative process.”

During these two weeks, the Cape students observed the Legislature as part of their Senior Transition Project (STP). The STP gives Cape seniors two weeks to engage in activities related to their future careers and goals, often in the form of shadowing professionals. These students, who are interested in the democratic process, traveled to Augusta to learn about Maine state government.

The five Cape Elizabeth seniors plan to graduate on June 1. Andrew is committed to the University of California, Berkeley, and will be majoring in English. Geo is attending American University and will study political science. Isabelle is going to Smith College in the fall and has not decided her major yet. Tori is headed to Clemson University to pursue a degree in political science. Vollie will be attending the University of Maine at Orono and has not decided his major yet.

Sen. Carney represents Maine Senate District 29, which includes South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and part of Scarborough. Rep. Boyer represents Maine House District 123, which includes most of Cape Elizabeth. Rep. Kessler represents Maine House District 121, which includes part of South Portland and part of Cape Elizabeth.

From left: Cape Elizabeth High School government teacher Ted Jordan, Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, Isabelle Reeves, Andrew Choi and Vollie Weiss during a break in the Senate session on May 20.

From left: Rep. Michelle Boyer, D-Cape Elizabeth, Cape Elizabeth High School government teacher Ted Jordan, Tori Stevens, Isabelle Reeves, Andrew Choi, Vollie Weiss and Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, in the Maine State House on May 20.

Geo Lobozzo with Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, in the Senate Chamber on May 15.

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