XENIA — Just prior to spring break, 11th grade students in Xenia High School’s American government classes took a field trip to the Ohio Statehouse to get a closer look at the state’s legislative system.

Around 100 students made the one-day round trip to Columbus and according to their teachers, not only did they learn a lot, but they enjoyed watching the legislative process close up.

“It was a wonderful day. We had a guided tour of the beautiful Statehouse where students could see Ohio’s legislative branch at work,” said Astrid Kapfhammer, a XHS government teacher and a chaperone on the trip. “The highlight of the day was visiting the floor of the House of Representatives. The public is only allowed on the House floor by invitation from a representative. We were so fortunate that Rep. Bill Dean invited us onto the House floor where XHS students were able to sit in the seats of Ohio’s 99 representatives. This experience does not happen often.”

The outing was not part of an annual trip agenda but organizers hope it is something that can be incorporated moving forward.

“Excursions like this one to the Ohio Statehouse create meaningful learning opportunities for students of all ages,” said Dr. Gabe Lofton, Xenia Community Schools superintendent. “The opportunity to go on a field trip to see things that they first heard about in a classroom setting is a wonderful way to reinforce the learning and make it memorable.”

The Ohio General Assembly has used the Ohio Statehouse since 1857. The Ohio Statehouse functions both as a working government building that contains the activities of a legislature and governor’s office and as a museum.

Reach Karen Rase at 937-502-4534.