Congressman Donates U.S. Capitol Flag, Meets Students

Earlier this month, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen visited Parsippany students and he spoke with about 50 seventh graders at Central Middle School on what it’s like to be a representative in congress.

"This was a great opportunity for our students,” said Craig Penna, 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher. “They were very excited to get a chance to meet someone that represents our area in congress."

"Our congressman has an abundant amount of knowledge about the government and I know he does the best for his people,” said 7th grader Robert Wilson.

Frelinghuysen also met with members of the Executive Board of the 7th grade Student Council.

"I felt that the Congressman was a very fun guy,” said Sarah DiPipa Student Council President. "He made me laugh by calling me Madame President. At the same time he humbled me with his words of wisdom.  It was an honor for me to meet him."

Students were prepared with questions and Frelinghuysen “spoke about the different times he has met the President and his family history in congress … about how he may not always agree with the president on certain things, however he respects his commander in chief,” said Casey Maass, 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher.

"I couldn’t believe that the Congressman’s family had been involved in politics for over 200 years," said Alex DePietro, 7th grader.

“It was such an amazing experience to have the Congressman at our school,” added Maass. “It was exciting to bring the topics we cover in our social studies class alive.  7th grade curriculum covers the branches of government and this provided the perfect opportunity for the students to see what exactly our legislative branch does for us.  The students were thrilled to have this opportunity and they came prepared with excellent questions for our Congressman.”

"The Congressman taught me a lot about politics now and what happened in the past,” said Alia Hakimi, 7th grader. “He has lots of information about our government."

Frelinghuysen also gave to the school an American flag and a certificate that it was flown over the Capitol building, which was taken to Picture Framing Outlet in Whippany to be custom framed.  

"I will be glad to custom frame the flag and letter and donate it to the school,” said Fred Hakimi, store owner and father of Alia Hakimi. “The staff of our school system do such a great job in Parsippany. Thank you."

"It was very interesting to hear the Congressman speak,”said  7th grader Oliver Boch. “I learned that the Congressman ... represents Veterans."

Frelinghuysen also met with seniors at Parsippany Hills High School earlier this month too.