BY KAYLEE WEINGARTEN
Student Life Editor
On March 23, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman visited AP Government & Politics students in the Old Bridge High School auditorium. The Congresswoman plans to retire in 2027, leaving the legacy of the first woman of color to represent New Jersey in Congress. This rare experience gave students the chance to learn more about the responsibilities and duties of a member of the House of Representatives.
Planning for the visit started in early November when Joseph D’Amico told one of his AP Gov classes, “If you can get Bonnie Watson Coleman to visit our class, you will have a hundred for the rest of the year.”
Two students, Kaylee Weingarten and Samy Ourari, took this joke literally and emailed Congresswoman Watson Coleman’s office. “I thought ‘Let me just try’ because I had nothing to lose if they said no,” said Ourari.
A member of her staff, Derel Stroud, quickly responded to the two students, writing that the congresswoman said, “Absolutely yes” to visiting the school. “I was absolutely thrilled to have a member of Congress come to our school to speak with the students,” said D’Amico.
A few days before the visit, students brainstormed questions to learn more about the day-to-day life of a member of the House of Representatives. “I asked a question that would give an answer that allows all students to understand how she represents us as our Congresswoman,” said Benjamin Antonucci.
The students learned about many things, from the Congresswoman’s weekly commute to her view on current hot button political issues. “The responses the Congresswoman gave taught us more about current political issues in the country, and I heard about things I did not even know were happening,” said Nikole Zvonar.
Speaking to a member of Congress deepened the students’ understanding of their Unit 2 AP coursework and created a unique learning opportunity. “Previously, it felt like just another lesson or worksheet, but hearing her speak firsthand showed me how much work and decision making go into the role every day, as well as how important it is for our voices to be heard,” said Maria Xicara.
What started as a joke turned into something so much more and gave these students a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “I am beyond proud of our students for their civic engagement, professionalism, and for all the amazing questions they asked the Congresswoman,” said D’Amico.
Posted on March 25, 2026
Photos by Samy Ourari, Olivia Van Deursen, and Mariami Pantsulaia.
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