Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) was joined in Albany by Arlington High School honor students Brianna Bisceglia and Owen A. Patterson for Career Shadow Day. The students accompanied Assemblymember Barrett throughout the day, attending a committee meeting, experiencing the procedure of the Assembly’s legislative session and learning how policy is shaped, influenced and enacted.

“By coming to Albany, Brianna and Owen were able to immerse themselves directly in the public policy process and leave here with a better understanding of how our state government works,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “I was honored to be a part of their experience and look forward to the day when these bright young individuals are perhaps back here in Albany serving as an Assemblymember or State Senator.”

The students came to Albany as part of their school’s Career Shadow Day in which high school students are encouraged to immerse themselves in their desired future profession. Brianna and Owen chose to shadow Assemblymember Barrett due to their passion for public policy and the factors that influence it. Barrett introduced the students on the floor of the legislature and shared highlights about the students, as well as Arlington High School.

Brianna Bisceglia is an honor student and sophomore at Arlington High School. Brianna was recently selected as a Dutchess County Delegate as part of the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4H Capital Days and is a Teen Ambassador. She is very interested in someday being a part of government to help further philanthropic initiatives.

Owen A. Patterson is also an honor student and sophomore at Arlington High School, where he is the vice president of the debate team. He recently was part of the delegation at the Cornell Model UN where he drafted mock legislation on education in the third world. As an active member of his community, Owen is a member of the Lagrange Public Library Board and member of the Dutchess County Youth Council.