Plymouth Whitemarsh High School student celebrates America's 250th with PA lawmakers

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School eleventh-grader Diana Manges had the unique opportunity to tour some of Philadelphia’s historic sites alongside state lawmakers and justices as part of the America 250 Pennsylvania House of Representatives session at Congress Hall.

Diana was chosen randomly from a pool of civic-minded student nominees to attend on Sept. 9, as a guest of Rep. Mary Jo Daley from the 148th District. Students were invited to attend as a way to bring generations together and inspire civic engagement. The event included two sessions for lawmakers in Congress Hall, where they voted on celebratory resolutions related to the nation’s 250th anniversary. 

“I think it’s important to observe occasions like the country’s 250th anniversary because it teaches us a lesson of how we got here and showcases the legacy of the people that came before us, and what they fought for or did for people like ourselves to thrive in the present day,” said Diana.

Along with seeing Congress Hall, Diana said she toured Carpenter’s Hall, the Museum of the American Revolution, Independence Hall, and ended at the Liberty Bell. Throughout the various stops, she had the chance to interact with judges and justices from the Commonwealth, District, and Supreme Courts, as well as state lawmakers.

“I learned a lot about the history that goes behind the buildings we got the chance to visit and tour,” she said. “The American Revolution Tour at the museum was also very informative and the tour guide taught us about the Declaration, the Constitution, different people such as Frederick Douglass, MLK, and how the ‘I have a dream’ part of his speech wasn't in his original draft.”