On Wednesday, March 26, twenty-six Lakewood High School students traveled to Columbus to visit the Statehouse and observe the Ohio General Assembly. Accompanied by several League of Women Voters representatives, the students met with State Senate leader Nickie Antonio of the Democratic Party, Tristan Rader, and Juanita O. Brent, both members of the Democratic State House of Representatives. After meeting with Leader Nickie Antonio during a “Women in Politics” meeting in October hosted at our school, the State Senator further spread her impact to the students during their trip to the Statehouse.
After quickly greeting the members, the students were guided through the Statehouse on a tour to examine the history of Ohio’s foundation of politics. Fun fact: the walls everywhere are pink– like a foreshadowing of Ohio’s future with women involved in every department. Although now viewed as a “feminine” color, its original use represented strength and masculinity— “just another shade of red.” In addition to the pink walls, sculptures, wallpaper, and carpets were designed with flowers to represent growth and renewal. These walls are a representation of our government by proving that change can happen for the better. Today, people of color and women have the opportunity to vote in 2025, which was most certainly not the case when the Statehouse was completed in 1861.
The key to making this possible was our country’s representative democracy, which is why it’s so important for people of all different backgrounds and identities to speak up on matters that involve them and their community. Democracy in the United States should represent us all as one unified country.
“Many individuals have fought and sacrificed to ensure this fundamental right, allowing us to participate in democracy today,” Lakewood High’s government teacher, Ron Lewis, said. Lewis played a major role in encouraging students at Lakewood High to stay involved. Through this particular experience, the 26 young women accompanied him in witnessing women’s roles in Ohio’s politics, with no limitations in their job force.
“One thing I wish more young people understood about politics is that behind every elected official, there are dozens of legislative aides, speechwriters, and other professionals working tirelessly to support them,” Lewis said. “Politics offers many opportunities beyond running for office, allowing young people to make a real impact behind the scenes.”
The main purpose of this trip was to inspire young women and students to remain active in politics, and there are so many ways to do so; not all have to be as your job or career, but perhaps as a member of your community. You can start small, but the biggest key is staying involved. Staying involved by volunteering at voting polls, staying involved by voting (if you’re 18), or encouraging the adults in your life to vote is so important. Inspiring others to vote and educating them on what or who they’re voting for is something that not every adult voter is aware of. You can make an impact at any age, whether you’re 16 or 66.
“Voters are my North Star,” Jen Miller said, sharing the importance of voting for you and for keeping democracy alive and thriving. Democracy is a tool, and you must use it to your advantage as Americans and as young women and/or minorities. Miller works through the League of Women Voters organization to encourage young women to get out and vote.
“I realized that this country that I love so much was not living up to its ideals and I decided that for me the best way to show my love of this country was to advocate for everyone,” Miller said. Not only does she work to expand young women’s knowledge of voting, but she also works on promoting social justice and civic engagement throughout her community and state.
To continue the role of understanding and staying involved in politics, senior Elizabeth Schuldt shared a suggestion.
“I think it would be really interesting if the school were to create some sort of women’s history class because between these trips and my women’s literature class, I have learned so much, but I also think there is so much potential to learn even more and make it a really good class,” Schuldt said.
Schuldt has been an active member of “Women in Politics,” attending the meeting in October and working at her local voting polls in November. The idea of a women’s history class would hopefully encourage both young women and men to take it and expand their knowledge of women’s history, potentially touching on our history of politics, too.
The students’ trip down to Columbus was a unique opportunity to learn about Ohio’s foundation and history and get a glimpse into what the field of politics could look like–especially for these young women. Connecting what they learned in Columbus and taking that knowledge back home to Lakewood was a powerful lesson on civic involvement. Voting is not just a right but also a privilege for American citizens. But remember, that’s not the only way to participate. Don’t be held back, and use your voice and your vote as a way to guide your community and stay inspired.
