Toomey’s Office, Gannon University, and Erie Together to Host Sixth Annual Youth Civic Engagement Symposium Virtually

Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Pat Toomey

Erie, Pa. – The office of U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, in conjunction with Gannon University and Erie Together, will host the sixth annual Youth Civic Engagement Symposium tomorrow in recognition of Constitution Day. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s symposium will be held virtually and will consist of six pre-recorded panels to help high school students better understand the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal, state, and local government.
 
Pre-recorded panelist videos were provided to all participants. Students are invited to join a live video chat with select panelists on Thursday, September 30th at 12:00 pm. During the virtual chat, students will have the opportunity to ask questions.
 
“For six years, my office has partnered with Gannon University and Erie Together to create an event to boost civic engagement among young people in Erie County,” said Senator Toomey. “I have no doubt this year’s Youth Civic Engagement Symposium will offer an educational and enjoyable program that will provide students with a firsthand look at how government works at all levels.”
 
The event is sponsored by the National Fuel Foundation and Erie Insurance. Media wishing to join should click here.
 
Pre-recorded panelists include:
 
Welcoming Remarks
Pat Toomey – U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania
Dr. Keith Taylor – President, Gannon University
Kathy Dahlkemper – Erie County Executive
Joe Schember – Mayor, City of Erie
Michele Brooks – PA State Senator
Georgia Del Freo – Vice President of Operations, Greater Erie Community Action Committee
 
Gannon University Constitution Day Overview
Dr. Jeff Bloodworth – Professor, Gannon University
 
Community Engagement
Anna Frantz – Director, Our West Bayfront
Melissa McGill – Senior Community Outreach Specialist, Erie Insurance
Michael Washington – Executive Director, ServErie
Erika Ramalho – Director, Community and Government Relations at Gannon University
 
Local Government
Dean Pepicello – Supervisor, Harborcreek Township
Casey Wells – Executive Director, Erie County Convention Center Authority
Ed Brzezinski – City Councilman, City of Erie
Kathy Wyrosdick – Planning Director, City of Erie
 
County Government
John Dimattio – Director of Human Services, Erie County Government
Mary Rennie – Member, Erie County Council (District 3)
Judge John Trucilla – Erie County Court of Common Pleas
Doug Smith – Chief Clerk, Erie County Government
 
State Government
Barbara Raymond – Director, Bureau of Veterans Homes
Janet Anderson – Workforce and Economic Development Professional
Sean Pierce – Trooper, Pennsylvania State Police
Christine Greig – Constituent Specialist, State Representative Parke Wentling’s Office
 
Federal Government
Judge Richard Lanzillo – Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court
Todd Carlson – Inspector in the Management Directorate, Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service
Daniel J. LaFountain – Professor of Military Science, Gannon University
Brad Moore – District Director, U.S. Congressman Glenn Thompson
 
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