Cheri Lockard participated in the FCCLA Legislative Shadowing Project on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Mrs. Lindsay Ostermann is the local chapter adviser and accompanied her to the Capital City. Sponsored by the Missouri Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), the program provides an opportunity for junior and senior high school students to spend a day with their state representative, senator or other public official at the State Capitol. The students observe hearings, meetings and other public duties.
The Legislative Shadowing Project, now in its 20th year, is conducted by Missouri FCCLA, the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for family consumer sciences and human services education. A reception and opening session was held for participants on Tuesday, March 1. Tours of the Governor’s Mansion, State Capitol and Supreme Court Building also were provided.
The Legislative Shadowing Project allows students to connect their interests in law, public service, civic issues and the political process with their education. The event is designed to help students develop a better understanding of the political process and its impact on citizens.
The students prepare for the event by becoming familiar with their official’s responsibilities and current issues. If matched with a legislator, the student becomes knowledgeable about the bills introduced and committees on which the legislator serves. Cheri was able to shadow Representative Peggy McGaugh. Cheri was introduced on the house floor as a special guest and witnessed the legislators discussing a new bill. She also was able to spend some one on one time with Representative McGaugh learning more about her time in the House of Representatives.
FCCLA is a nonprofit student organization for young men and women, grades 6-12, in family consumer sciences education. Missouri FCCLA has more than 7,000 members.
