I-S student participates in Senate Scholar Program
Abigail Briquelet, a high school student from the Iola-Scandinavia School District, recently visited the State Capitol as part of the Senate Scholar Program.
She was welcomed by state Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon.
“Abigail’s interest in learning more about state government and the legislative process was inspiring,” said Olsen.
The Senate Scholar Program’s rigorous curriculum gives students the opportunity to learn first-hand how the legislature works and the different people and professions that contribute to the law-making process.
They meet with legislative support agencies, legislative staff, the media, lobbyists and University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty members. They also meet with representatives from the other branches of government including a Supreme Court Justice and a member of the Governor’s staff.
The students then put their knowledge into action. When the Senate is in session, Scholars staff the session under the direction of the Senate Sergeant at Arms office.
“This gives them access to the Senate floor to witness legislative debate up close, watch Senators confer and get a true sense of how the legislative process works,” Olsen said. “Few people outside of legislators and their staff have this opportunity.”
The week’s events culminate in a Senate Scholar committee hearing on a bill the students drafted. The Senate Scholar Program is held annually and is open to 33 high-achieving students around the state.