Sioux Central FFA members traveled to Des Moines on Feb. 19 to participate in Career and Technical Education Day at the Iowa State Capitol, where they met with state leaders and observed the legislative process firsthand.
Students had the opportunity to speak with four Iowa legislators and sit in on a Senate Environmental Committee meeting, where lawmakers discussed topics including boating life‑jacket requirements, drainage districts, and deer tag regulations.
The group also toured the Capitol, climbing to the top of the dome, viewing Iowa’s Constitution, and meeting Iowa FFA Advisor Alan Spencer and Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow.
Students said the experience offered a deeper understanding of how state government operates. Kayley Hermstad said she was “very interested in learning about how the bills were passed, and being able to sit in meetings.”
Senior Andrew Nelson noted the historic significance of the building, saying “the architecture of the Capitol is very intricate, quite impressive and very inspiring.”
Chapter secretary Violet Sangwin said she enjoyed climbing the stairs to the top and was impressed by “the old pictures and architecture.”
Members Clay Binder and Tegen Thomsen said they appreciated learning more about the building’s history.
Student Landon Wendel reflected on the experience, saying, “Walking through the halls of the Iowa State Capitol, I realized history isn’t just written in marble and gold, it’s carried in the voices of the people you meet and the conversations that shape tomorrow.”
