While many staff, students and supporters from the Langford Area School District traveled to Pierre last week to take part in Stand For Public Education Day, the Lion senior class had already made its own recent trip to the Capitol for a different purpose-experiencing state government up close.
The seniors visited the South Dakota State Capitol as the 2026 legislative session continues in full swing, attending a committee hearing, observing both House and Senate sessions and hearing from several leaders in state government. Students also met Gov. Larry Rhoden, Supreme Court Justice Scott Myren, Attorney General Marty Jackley and Sen. Casey Crabtree, along with District 1 legislators Sen. Michael Rohl, Rep. Nick Fosness and Rep. Logan Manhart.
School board President Jennifer Gustafson accompanied the seniors on the trip.
“We had a great day,” Gustafson said. “I’d say the highlight was getting to meet with members from all three levels of government: Supreme Court Justice for Judicial, the Governor for Executive and legislators for Legislative. Meeting Attorney General Jackley and Sen. Crabtree was also great as both are congressional candidates too. We were especially blessed to get to meet with members from each of the three branches of government.”
Gustafson said the annual trip has long been a priority for the school.
“We try every year. Historically it was the Government teacher who took the students. I stepped in one year following a teacher not being able to go due to health reasons,” she said. “The next two years our trip was prevented by weather. This year it again worked out. For family reasons our current Gov teacher wasn’t able to go so I had the honor and privilege. For me personally, sharing the process with the students and getting to spend the day with them is a joy and a blessing.”
For the students, the day offered a closer look at how state government operates, and a few surprises along the way.
Julian Rodriguez said, “It would have to be when we got to learn all of the facts about the capital, as well as when we got to see the art in the building.” He added that he learned the building was once modernized before being restored to its original beauty and said he hopes the trip continues for future classes.
Clarissa Guy said the committee meeting stood out. “I think the local committee was my highlight. It was the first thing we did, and it showed me how interesting the day was going to be.” She also learned about the hidden “chambers” legislators use to avoid lobbyists and noted the symbolism throughout the Capitol. She and a classmate even made a game of the visit. “Maddox and I were on a mission to find all of the hidden hearts or blue tiles that are hidden all around the floors,” she said.
Paytyn Marlow said sitting in on a committee hearing was a highlight. “I also liked when Marty Jackley told me to stay out of trouble,” she said with a laugh. Marlow said she learned there is no “41st day” of the legislative session. “If someone tells the person they will listen to the bill on the 41st day, it’s not going to happen.” She added, “Overall, it was a pretty fun trip and everyone should go if they have a chance.”
Jordyn Nickeson-Brennan said meeting District 1 Sen. Michael Rohl made an impression. “He had so many things to tell us and the information he had told us was extremely important and impacting.” She said she also gained a deeper understanding of the artwork and history inside the Capitol building.
For Maddox Nickeson-Brennan, meeting local representatives was especially meaningful. “Those were the people making decisions for us, so if you knew of a bill trying to be passed and wanted to contact one of these people you could put a name to a face.” He said the trip helped him better understand the steps a bill must take before becoming law and that citizens can reach out directly to their legislators with questions or concerns.
Grace Hatfield said she enjoyed “getting to see the imperfections of the building and getting to see the people that represent us.” She noted learning about a unique feature of the Capitol staircase. “The stairs were too perfect that God wouldn’t accept them, so they made one mistake on the big staircase,” she said.
Tucker Jo Hardy said his favorite part was meeting several state leaders in person. “I felt this was very powerful to get to sit down and talk to all these men on a personal level and speak to them about what is going on in the state government.” He said sitting in on House and Senate sessions gave him a better sense of the legislative process and the environment lawmakers work in each day.
Mariah Tosse said talking with elected officials helped her better understand their daily responsibilities. “They helped us have a better understanding about their day-to-day activities.” She added that she also learned more about the state’s court system, including the number of cases handled each year and how they move through the system.
By the end of the day, students returned home with a clearer picture of how laws are made and how the three branches of government interact. For Gustafson, that was the ultimate goal.
“We had a wonderful day listening and learning from so many,” she said. “It’s an opportunity these students won’t soon forget.”
