By Marlene McTigue
Capital Region Independent Media
RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — In an era where civic discourse often feels polarized, a group of seniors at RCS High School is quietly, steadily learning to do something remarkable: think critically, listen respectfully, and engage meaningfully in our democracy.
They are students in Jennifer Patnode’s college-level political science class—a year-long course that goes well beyond the typical half-year Participation in Government requirement. Through readings, debate, current events and experiential learning, the class is helping students find not just their voices, but their place in the civic landscape.
“I didn’t just want to take a class to check a box,” said senior Mary McHugh. “I like the idea of having a full year to learn what Participation in Government covers—but in more depth. I’m studying political science and planning to go to law school, so taking this class just made sense.”
McHugh, along with classmates Madison Wilcox and Ryan Morrow, recently reflected on their experience in the class, their visit to the New York State Capitol, and the teacher who’s made the subject come alive for them.
“She’s probably one of the best history teachers I’ve had,” McHugh said of Patnode. “You can tell how much she cares. She’s really passionate about what she’s teaching—and that makes a difference.”
Wilcox agreed.
“She wants you to learn it—not just memorize it and repeat it back,” Wilcox said. “And what I really like is that you can’t tell what her political views are. She teaches it from both sides and doesn’t push you in either direction.”
That ability to stay centered in a divided world is something Patnode herself values deeply.
“I always say, what I would love to see for political spectrum is nobody had a party label—so we would actually have to listen to what people offer and why,” Patnode said. “It’s not about the fringe. It’s about the general will, or the common good.”
For many students, the decision to enroll in Patnode’s class was driven by word of mouth—and a desire for something more rigorous.
“I joined because of Ms. Patnode,” said Morrow. “It gets you the credit you need to graduate, but it also challenges you. And you get college credit for it, too.”
Unlike the standard Participation in Government course, which lasts one semester, this class runs the full academic year and offers three SUNY credits through UHS (University in the High School), a dual-enrollment program that provides college-level coursework in high schools at a reduced cost.
“We get to actually dive into the details and understand how the system works,” McHugh said. “She connects what we’re learning to history so we can see why things are the way they are now.”
“We had our own in-class election,” McHugh said. “A lot of us are turning 18 this year, so being able to talk about how the election works while we’re going through it—it made everything more real.”
This spring, Patnode’s students took a field trip to the New York State Capitol in Albany—a highlight of the class and an opportunity to see government in action. The visit included a tour of the building, observation of a legislative session, and a brief but memorable meeting with state Senator Pat Fahy.
“You know, it was a bit of an insane day, and I was late for a conference meeting,” Fahy said. “But we always make a point when it’s young people. My office knows it’s a real priority.”
Despite a packed schedule, Fahy made time to meet with the students—and left impressed.
“They had great questions,” she said. “One of the students asked about a bill that had passed a few years ago—she just nailed it. Another asked about guns, which, you know, high school students are really paying attention to now. We talked about the trajectory of what’s happened with gun policy.”
McHugh asked about Fahy’s bill that seeks to hold gun manufacturers liable for gun violence.
“I asked her how she plans to implement that into society,” McHugh said. “She explained the bill but didn’t really go into how it would be enforced. Still, it felt empowering to be able to ask.”
Morrow asked about the expansion of the state’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
“I had seen on her website that she was working to expand TAP,” he said. “So, I asked about that, and she gave a really detailed answer—specific numbers, who qualifies now. It was interesting.”
The students also toured the Capitol’s iconic “Million Dollar Staircase” and visited the Assembly chamber while lawmakers were in session.
“It was gorgeous,” McHugh said. “We got to go into the chambers and see where they actually work. It made it all feel more real.”
Back in the classroom, the Capitol visit continues to resonate—reinforcing discussions and deepening students’ understanding of how real-world policy connects to classroom theory.
“Like, why was government set up this way? What historical events shaped this decision? It’s not just facts—it’s the story behind it,” said Morrow.
For Patnode, watching her students engage with real issues outside of the classroom is one of the things she loves the most about the class.
“So much impactful learning happens when we leave the classroom. If I had my way we’d go on a lot more field trips,” she said.
And her students agree.
“Experiential learning is the key to proper education,” said McHugh. “There are things I never would have seen or understood if we hadn’t gone out and done them. The trip to the Capitol—it was something I probably never would have done on my own. And now I’ll never forget it.”
