Today was a memorable day at Central Valley High School! Our AP Government and Politics students had the honor of hosting 5th District Representative Michael Baumgartner.

 

Over the years, our classes have welcomed many elected officials, but Representative Baumgartner stood out with his engaging approach and candid discussions. He took every student question—some tough, some thought-provoking—head-on, without dodging a single one. His honesty and willingness to share his perspectives provided our students with a firsthand look at civil discourse in action.

 

In our Social Studies department, we continually emphasize the importance of respectful and open conversations about government and policy. Today’s discussion wasn’t about party lines or political divisions—it was about understanding how our government operates (and sometimes doesn’t). Representative Baumgartner exemplified this principle, making a lasting impact on our students.

 

A big thank you to Representative Baumgartner for taking the time to visit and engage with our future leaders! #GOBEARS

​-Rob Rowe (CVHS)