WI Student Senate Program includes two WB students

Two local high school students were given a chance to experience Wisconsin government firsthand, thanks to the 2023 Wisconsin Student Senate Scholar Program.

Thirty-three Wisconsin high school juniors and seniors were selected to partake in the event, including Wittenberg-Birnamwood’s Isabelle Cieslewicz and Logan Hanson. In January, February and March, 11 students each month will have an opportunity to make the trip to Madison and learn about the inner workings of state government.

With 10 other high school students from across the state, Cieslewicz took the trip to Madison from Jan. 22-27, where she was able to pick the brains of senators, legislators and lobbyists.

“I was in the Senate Scholar Program, which is a competitive program that allows juniors and seniors around Wisconsin to go to Madison for a week and learn more in depth about how the government works,” said Cieslewicz. “It feels pretty special that I got accepted.”

Cieslewicz said that she was made aware of the program from Kevin Wick, history teacher at Witt-Birn High School. After Wick handed out the flyer explaining the program, Cieslewicz read it over and thought that it could be an interesting venture. In order to qualify for the program, she had to write an essay, fill out a cover letter and take a quiz about Wisconsin.

“I wrote about the five legislative agencies in Wisconsin,” said Cieslewicz.

Talking about her trip down to Madison, Cieslewicz said a lot of information and different experiences were packed into one week, but overall she called it an enjoyable experience.

“Some days were a little exhausting, but we toured the Capitol. We got to talk to legislators, and I got to see the State of the State (address) — which was really cool,” said Cieslewicz. “Watching the State of the State was probably my favorite part about the trip. It is very different watching it on TV compared to watching it in person; it is a little more meaningful in person.”

One thing that stuck with her from the trip was witnessing how much work actually goes into working for the state government.

“With all of the research and talking to constituents, I did not really realize the level of what they did until I went down there,” said Cieslewicz.

As part of the trip, students were asked to participate in a mock court hearing for an issue. Cieslewicz, partnered with other Wisconsin high school students, did a hearing on lowering the age of tattooing minors to 16 years old. Students were asked to research the topic and talk to the legislative reference bureau, where they were informed on how to draft a bill and how to make amendments to it.

“I was very nervous about talking in front of everyone, but I think that I handled it very well,” said Cieslewicz. “I explained myself thoroughly and I answered questions — public speaking and knowing how to interact with all types of people are good skills to have.”

Looking to her future, Cieslewicz said she isn’t sure yet what she wants to do for a profession, but she said working in government may be an option.

“I might be looking for a possible career, maybe being a clerk for a judge,” said Cieslewicz. “I guess I just enjoy learning about why we have the laws that we do and why things work the way that they do. If I do decide to go into government (studies), it would be at UW-Madison, but I am not completely sure yet.”

She closed by saying if any high school students have an interest in government, they should get information about the Student Senate Scholar Program.

“It gives a lot of experience and is an amazing opportunity,” said Cieslewicz. “It is just great to meet other people around the state that are the same age.”

NEW Media tried to reach out to Hanson for comment but was told he would be unavailable due to personal reasons.

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com