Photos by Melissa Mesa

Sen. Lynn Findley (left) and Judge Robert Raschio (right) pose for a picture with the second graders at Slater Elementary.

On Nov. 10, Sen. Lynn Findley (District 30) and Rob Raschio, 24th Judicial District Circuit Court judge, met with all of the second graders at Slater Elementary School.

Findley explained the three branches of government and described the role of each branch. He also explained how the legislature passes laws to improve lives in our community. The students asked a lot of interesting questions about how government works.

Findley invited the students to write him if they have ideas for laws that they’d like to see enacted. He also praised them for their great singing at the Veterans Day celebration at Burns High School.

Raschio described his job to the kids and explained why he was wearing a robe.

He said, “It reminds me and the public that justice is blind.”

One student asked Raschio about his “hammer”.

Raschio replied, “The gavel is to help maintain quiet in the courtroom and let people know who is in charge of the communication.”

A number of students used the gavel to make announcements. One student announced that she wants to be a police officer when she grows up, and another said he plans to “drive around” when he is older.

“Thank you for inviting us. We have the greatest system of government in the world,” Raschio told the students. “Senator Findley and I are thankful we get to serve you in your government. Each of you should thank a veteran this weekend, your grandma or granddad, your father or your mother, or your neighbor. They made sure you are free and we have a safe, just society.”

He added, “These are bright, excited kids with a deep faith in our way of life. I am very grateful to Mrs. Burns and the other teachers for inviting us to meet their students.”