Molly Sapienza ’25 and Ariana Baptista ’25 presented the winning bill at Legislative Day on Wednesday. Their bill “Choice for Every Cycle Act,” would provide greater access to quality menstrual products at Columbia.
Columbia High School Participation in Government classes hosted their Legislative Day on Wednesday in the school auditorium with students presenting their bills to classmates. Projects included ones specific to the East Greenbush Central School District, such as opening the Columbia courtyard to seniors, and state laws such as a ban of cell phones in schools.
The winning project, voted on by students, was the Choice for Every Cycle Act, which would provide greater access to quality menstrual products at Columbia. It was presented by Ariana Baptista ’25 and Molly Sapienza ’25.
Participation in Government is a required class for seniors at Columbia High School. The Legislative Day included all first semester classes taught by Social Studies Teachers Kelley Sheraw and Dan Wagner.
“Each group researched a societal problem and came up with a solution. This is exactly what our country needs from its citizens,” said Mrs. Sheraw. “Our society faces a lot of problems and instead of finger pointing and complaining, we need solutions. I have high hopes in these young adults.”
After all of the bills were presented, students lobbied for votes with their classmates to simulate the legislative process.
Participation in Government Bills
- Build a Dome at CHS – Gavin Bielawa, Sean Brooks, Dylan Maychack, and Jon Toussaint
- Opening the Courtyard at CHS – Jack Cahill, Thomas Kilmack, and Thomas Marchiony
- NYS Ban of Cell Phones in Schools – Angelo Smith and Ewan Clague
- Paw Patrol – Ava Canning, Kiley Merola, Issebelle Shanno, and Rylie Sorce
- Updating Health Classes at CHS – Maya Derico
- Food Improvement Act – Stacey Andres, Elizabeth Beams, and Molly Freeman
- New Menstrual Products at CHS – Ariana Baptista and Molly Sapienza
- AI Regulations – Aadit Akula and Nicholas Turner
During the Legislative Day, students had the opportunity to hear from two members of the New York State legislature – Senator Jake Ashby and Assemblymember John McDonald. Senator Ashby and Assemblyman McDonald, who both represent the East Greenbush Central School District, discussed their careers, how they entered politics, and how they serve constituents in state government. They also answered questions from students about working across the aisle and how they balance their own personal beliefs with the needs of the public.
Special thanks to Senator Ashby and Assemblymember McDonald for visiting Columbia!
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