From Julia Alfred (age 9)

On March 22, 2023, eleven Girl Scouts from Troop 67202 (Holliston) visited the Massachusetts State House. They were accompanied by Representative James Arena-DeRosa (D-Holliston) and legislative aid Jeff Meyers on a tour led by guide Connor Frederico-Grome. While on the tour, the scouts found the stained-glass images of the lion, gryphon, and unicorn on the grand staircase. Frederico-Grome noted that the railings on the staircase are exclusive to the State House, the mold having been destroyed to stop others from using it. Scouts were most entertained by the Sacred Cod and Holy Mackerel. “I thought the hanging fish called the Sacred Cod that hangs in the State House was funny. Someone stole it and then they found it and then they hung it up higher so no one could steal it again.” recalls Girl Scout Josie Peterson. 

We so enjoyed a recent visit to the State House from the Girl Scouts of Holliston Troop 67202,” said Representative Arena-DeRosa. “I had the pleasure of joining them for their tour of the state capitol, when they learned about Massachusetts history and met with us in the House of Representatives Chamber. The scouts visited during Women’s History month, were very engaged throughout the trip, and were particularly enthusiastic with the brief stop at the Executive Office and were reminded of the historic election of our new Governor Maura Healey.” 

This visit supported the Junior badge Inside Democracy and Girl Scouts from Troop 67202 encourage other scouts and curious children in the community to reach out to their local legislators to visit the State House.