January 12, 2012

REP. JANOWSKI MEETS WITH VERNON STUDENTS

State Representative Claire Janowski (D-Vernon and Rockville) met with students from Center Road School in Vernon during a recent tour of the State Capitol complex.

In speaking with the group, Rep. Janowski focused on the importance of student ideas, citing the idea brought forward by another class from Center Road School in winning the designation of the European Mantis as “state insect.”

Janowski said, “Even though those students were too young to vote, they made a difference and their idea lives on as part of Connecticut history.”

In 1977 the students’ idea was approved by the General Assembly and the “European Mantis” was named state insect. The students testified on behalf of their idea and the bill was enthusiastically signed by our first woman Governor, Ella Grasso, who presented the students with a Governor's Proclamation for their good work. The plaque continues to be displayed at Center Road School today.

Harmless to humans, the mantis feeds on aphids, flies, grasshoppers, small caterpillars and moths. The family of Mantids, a protected species, is beneficial to the environment and friendly to agriculture.

Rep. Janowski routinely mentions the Center Road Students’ success as an accomplishment that all young people can relate to and emulate. 

Rep. Janowski said, “I cite this wonderful achievement as an example of what young minds can do and that their voices can make a difference.”

The current Center Road students were enthusiastic and engaged Rep. Janowski with a number of questions including a discussion about the State Animal, the Sperm Whale as a protected species, how old the State Hero, Nathan Hale was when he died and the origin of the State Seal.