FTC Commemorates U.S. Constitution Day with facts and snacks
By Isabella Escobar
How old is the U.S. Constitution? You’d be correct if you said 237 years old and could have won a tasty treat at Five Towns College’s Constitution Day celebration on September 17th. The date commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Students who visited the snacks and facts table in the Upbeat Cafe answered trivia questions for a chance to win the most American of snacks, White Castle Sliders and apple and cherry pies.
Assistant Dean of Campus Life, Michael Cavalli, who hosted the table, shared his enthusiasm for this annual college tradition. “We celebrate Constitution Day annually in commemoration of the United States Constitution in September of 1787. As an organization that receives federal funding and an educational institution, we’re required each year to commemorate the day. For me, this has been a really fun tradition and way to engage students about such an important topic. So, while I get the opportunity to teach you through trivia and our infographic, I also get the opportunity to give you something fun to take away, the most American of snacks.”
Film and Television major James Fusco enjoyed this break in the school day, saying, “I think this is a really fun Constitution Day event! It’s a great way to get educated about our country’s history and also…burgers!”
Alongside the facts and snacks table was the League of Women Voters, who helped interested students register to vote. Lisa Scott, President of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County, encouraged students to register to vote for this upcoming election. “It’s important because it’s not only for us but for the future, and when you’re at Five Towns College, it’s your world that you’re voting for. You have to decide as an adult and as an educated voter what matters to you and learn about the candidates because it’ll affect the quality of your life and how you eventually get involved with your community. It’s one of the best things you can do.”
Scott also reminded students to register or check if they’re already registered. “You can go online to www.elections.ny.gov. It’s a terrific website, the New York State Board of Elections, and you can look it up yourself as long as you live in New York State. It’ll not only tell you if you’re registered, but it’ll also tell you what districts you’re in, on a federal, state, and local level.”
Five Towns students appreciated the event. “I really think it’s important to know about our government and about things that we need to have a say in. So, we need to participate in these events,” said Theatre Arts major Yolanda Penfield.
While the Constitution Day festivities at Five Towns ended with facts, snacks, and voter registrations, it’s also interesting to note that the original Constitution was 4,543 words, almost ten times this article’s word count.
