Article Contributed on: 1/9/2008 1:18:42 PM
What, no state reptile? Students in Mr.
Jay Baichi's class at Skyline Vista Elementary School could not believe that Colorado has no state reptile. So they researched and selected the most appropriate reptile to represent Colorado, the Western Painted Turtle.
The next step? Find a legislator to carry the bill. Who better than former District 50 educator and now House Representative
Cherylin Peniston. Representative Peniston has requested that this be her first bill. Once the bill passes the House vote, it is hopeful that Senator
Jennifer Viega, the Senator for School District 50's area, will carry the bill in the Senate.
Skyline Vista students are prepared to testify in the House and if necessary, the Senate. It looks like their testifying talents will be called upon around the third week of January.
As the legislators convene today, all Skyline Vista eyes are on the Second Regular Session, Sixty-sixth General Assembly of the State of Colorado. They are closely monitoring House sessions and the progress of their bill - and their hearts and hopes are on the turtle.
When and if the bill passes, not only will the State of Colorado have an official reptile, the students at Skyline Vista Elementary will have great insight into the workings of government, how bills become law, and to paraphrase Margaret Mead, how a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.