WEST CHESTER (June 6, 2023) – As part of a new initiative launched by state Senator Carolyn Comitta, three Chester County high school students recently had the chance to present their perspectives on issues facing Pennsylvania communities and proposed legislative solutions.
Elizabeth Stafford, Anika Sapra, and Peter Kennedy formed the inaugural class of Comitta’s Student Advisory Council, an internship program that offers students the opportunity to learn about the legislative process while crafting their own legislative proposals and bills.
Comitta, a former public school teacher who currently serves on the Senate Education Committee, said the goal of the council is to engage young people in the legislative process instead of simply focusing their efforts on the office tasks, like data entry and answering phones, typically assigned to interns.
“I am in awe of the young leaders in Chester County and across the country that are stepping up and taking action to build a better, more sustainable community for all,” said Comitta. “That’s why I started the Student Advisory Council, to empower them to roll up their sleeves and take a hands-on approach to the issues that interest and impact them. Along the way, we not only helped foster their leadership skills, but my staff and I enjoyed the opportunity to learn from them as well.”
The council consisted of high school-aged students from across the 19th senate district who have a passion for public policy and community engagement. In addition to assisting constituents, tracking legislation, and learning about careers in state government, they had the opportunity to present legislative proposals to Comitta and her team.
Elizabeth Stafford, a rising senior at West Chester East High School, focused her work on expanding access to naloxone to help combat the opioid epidemic and prevent overdose deaths.
“Senator Carolyn Comitta’s Student Advisory Council allowed me to explore the inner workings of local government and its essential role in our community,” said Stafford. “As a council, we discussed topics we felt were relevant to our peers and researched solutions. I am incredibly grateful for the insight I gained on the legislative process and for the opportunity to be a part of Senator Comitta’s Student Advisory Council.”
Anika Sapra, a rising senior at Great Valley High School, presented her research on funding for reproductive healthcare options in Pennsylvania.
“The Student Advisory Council was an excellent and unique opportunity for me to get involved with the political process and what it means to legislate,” said Sapra. “I learned a lot about what goes into advocating for important issues while supporting and giving back to your community. What I learned empowered me to pursue public policy and legislation further, and I really loved my time in Senator Comitta’s office.”
Peter Kennedy, a rising junior at West Chester B. Reed Henderson High School, proposed increasing education on epilepsy and seizure disorders among students, school staff, and teachers.
“Senator Comitta’s Student Advisory Council was an amazing opportunity that proved to be both informative and fun,” said Kennedy. “I greatly enjoyed the work that was conducted in the office during our time and enjoyed learning about the various roles in the Senator’s office. In addition to learning more about government, politics, and community service, I also made two new friends. I thank the Senator and her District 19 Office for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime.”