(HINGHAM) – On the morning of Wednesday, May 21st, the 3rd and 4th grade classes of St. Paul’s Elementary, Derby Academy, and Old Colony Montessori gathered in the Old Ship Meeting House in Hingham. This was no ordinary field trip though. Major town decisions were being debated, amended, and eventually voted on. Should Hingham High School shell out $550,000 on a new turf sports field? Should money be set aside for the creation of a new play space in Hingham Square? Should Hingham, Hull, Scituate, Weymouth, and Cohasset band together to purchase a boat to assist with maritime debris removal? The list of warrant articles on the mock town meeting was varied and topical. State Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) joined for the morning, speaking to the students about the relationship linking the municipality and legislature and drawing parallels between an affordable housing warrant article and one of the bills she filed this legislative session.
“Civic education is crucial to the strength of our communities,” said Representative Meschino (D-Hull). “It was inspiring to see the curiosity and passion that these students have. Despite genuine disagreement, they came together and made thoughtful decisions. The event absolutely made my day and gives me optimism for future generations.”
Volunteers Mary Eastwood, former principal of South Elementary School, and Bev Vernon, retired Hingham Public School teacher, worked with the schools in creating the warrant. Tom Carey, former Hingham Town Moderator, volunteered to lead the meeting.
East Elementary School, William. L Foster Elementary School, Plymouth River Elementary School, and South Elementary School will participate in mock town meetings in early June.
Despite many who thought the turf field proposal would be smooth sailing, the article ended up being a major point of contention. Students cited safety issues regarding turf burn infections, the environmental impact of microplastics, and the danger of turf pellets to wildlife. Following a healthy debate, the students decided to reject the article. More important than the verdict was the way they went about the decision-making, with respect for one another and a healthy amount of laughter.
State Representative Joan Meschino represents the communities of Hingham, Hull, and Cohasset. Rep. Meschino and her Legislative Aides can be reached at the State House at 617-722-2092 or by email at Joan.Meschino@MAHouse.gov. To learn more about Rep. Meschino’s constituent services and legislative work, please visit www.JoanMeschino.com.
###