Public Invited to Civics Class

Steve Lawrence, center, adjunct faculty member at Walters State, works with students James Rose, left, and Landon McAllister, right. Nick Guinn is shown in the second row. Students will present with governmental officials as part of Lawrence’s honors political science class.

Political Science Students to Share How Government Works

           Steve Lawrence, an adjunct faculty member at Walters State, is opening his civics class to the public.
           “Community Engagement and Civics Education” is the focus of an honors special projects in political science class. Students have spent time this semester meeting with local officials. Each will make a presentation with a local government official.
           On Nov. 8, students Bradon Griffin, James Rosen and Landon McAllister will present on local government with Hamblen County Mayor Bill Brittain. Savannah Bragg, Krys Boyd and Ashton Schwartz will present on the U.S. Congress with Daryl Brady, former outreach director for Rep. Diana Harshbarger.
           On Nov. 15, Caiden Broyles and Garvin Guldseth with present on the judicial system, with Magistrate Judge Cynthia Wyrick of Greeneville. Students Sofia Gullion and Jay Hill will present on elections with Jeff Gardner, administrator of elections for Hamblen County. 
           Classes begin at 6 p.m. with refreshments. Presentations follow at 6:15 p.m. All will be held in room 124 of the Doggett Mathematics and Behavioral/Social Sciences Building on the Morristown Campus.
           This honors class was developed after former students voiced a desire to share what they learned in class with the public. 
           “These presentations will equip the community with more knowledge about our government and those attending will leave more likely to participate in the democratic process,” Lawrence said. 
           Students worked with volunteer mentors who are currently in government positions.
           “Our mentors have been very active,” he said. “Many have met with students for hours. Students have even gained career insight through this process.”