State Representative Robert Sprague (R-Findlay) and State Senator Cliff Hite (R-Findlay) welcomed winners of the “We Love Findlay” coloring and essay contest to the Statehouse in Columbus.

Students in the Findlay area in kindergarten through eighth grade were invited to participate in the “We Love Findlay” contest. The contest winners were awarded by being a “legislator for a day” with Rep. Sprague and Sen. Hite at the Statehouse.

Many students submitted contest entries and 40 winning students, and their families, were invited to travel to Columbus for a day of legislative activities. Events of the day included meeting with the representative and senator, conducting mock committee hearings, and participating in a mock legislative session, where students learned firsthand how a bill becomes a law. Contest winners were also treated to a pizza party luncheon with the two legislators.

“I was proud to have such fine young people from Findlay, Ohio in the Statehouse to celebrate the 200th year anniversary for the city of Findlay,” said Rep. Sprague. “I was impressed by the way they participated in the legislative process. It’s a good learning experience for them.”

“I thought today was an extremely exciting and rewarding experience for those of us who work for the people,” said Senator Hite. “It was an opportunity for constituents to visit and participate in the day to day processes of government. In particular, it was a way of celebrating the bicentennial of Findlay, OH.”

When asked about a highlight of the day, contest winner Grant Eckstrom said, “The voting was my favorite,” while contest winner Sidney Warner said, “I liked the Statehouse tour and the pizza.”