Valley Christian 6th graders visit with Secretary Christi Jacobsen, elected officials

HELENA, Mont. — Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen welcomed sixth graders from Valley Christian School in Missoula to the State Capitol this week. The Secretary spoke to students in the Old Supreme Court Chamber.

Valley Christian teacher Jonathan Hawkins, along with parents and chaperones, accompanied nearly 30 sixth grade students on the trip, which included visiting with Secretary Jacobsen, the Governor’s Office, and the Cathedral of St. Helena.

Secretary Jacobsen opened the discussion by asking students if they knew the roles and responsibilities of the Secretary of State and the SOS Office. Students correctly chimed in explaining the duties involving elections, business registration, official records, and the state seal.

Mr. Hawkins called on students to ask questions of the Secretary, with inquiries ranging from the decision to run for office, procedures in elections, and the challenges of being an elected official.

“What an incredible group of students from Valley Christian,” stated Secretary Jacobsen. “They were informed about the roles of our office, educated about the Legislature and Montana government, and asked great questions. Thank you to Mr. Hawkins and the chaperones for bringing the students to Helena and the Capitol, and thank you for the honor of visiting with them.”