Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Smith-Wade-El to Hold two Student Town Halls at Local Elementary Schools

Smith-Wade-El to Hold two Student Town Halls at Local Elementary Schools

Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El    February 11, 2026 | 3:41 PM

LANCASTER, Feb. 11 – A strong advocate for civic education, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, said he believes teaching civics equips youth to become informed and engaged members of a democratic society. He will host two student civic town halls in Lancaster this February.

The first town hall will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20 in the cafeteria of Washington Elementary School, 545 S. Ann St. Smith-Wade-El will be joined by Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo and School District of Lancaster Board Vice President Katrina Holmes.

The second town hall will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26 at Smith-Wade-El Elementary School, 910 Hamilton Park Drive. Smith-Wade-El will be joined by School District of Lancaster Board President Jennifer Eaton.

These events will give students the chance to learn about state government, share their ideas for improving their communities, and participate in a Q&A session with Smith-Wade-El.

“A truly democratic society relies on an informed and engaged citizenry, and civic education must begin early,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As we approach the United States’ 250th birthday and reflect on Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in its founding, now is the perfect time to teach our students about their rights and responsibilities as American citizens.”

The town halls follow Smith-Wade-El's recent participation in Hamilton Elementary School's Celebration Assembly on Wednesday, Feb. 11, where he discussed the vital role lawmakers play in keeping communities safe, healthy, and strong.

After Smith-Wade-El’s presentation, third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students got a hands-on experience of the electoral process by participating in a primary to select two nominees for 'best candy,' followed by a general election where the two candies competed against each other.

“The students have spoken!” Smith-Wade-El declared. “The winner for best candy is NERDS Gummy Clusters!”

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