DANBURY—Several dozen Immaculate High School students got a real world civics lesson Wednesday as long-time Bethel Town Clerk Lisa Bergh paid a visit to the school.
The seminar “Celebrating Our Nation” was the brainchild of Immaculate principal Wendy Neil as part of the weeklong celebration of Catholic Schools Week. The series is designed to bring together local government officials with National Social Studies Honor Society students. Immaculate’s Joanne DeMassa, social studies department chair, along with teacher Josh DiBella facilitated the discussion.
Bergh, a 20-year veteran Town Clerk in Bethel and a parent of two Immaculate High School graduates, brought along some rare historical artifacts and records to demonstrate the role of a Town Clerk. One, an actual registry of births and deaths dating back to 1850, showed the role of a Town Clerk in registry and vital statistics.
“Those were different times,” she explained. “We didn’t see people living long due to tuberculosis, smallpox and dysentery. Our health departments have come a long way.”
Most of all, the lively discussion centered around voting, and voting rights and processes.
“Soon, you will all be off to college.” Bergh told students. “You can’t measure the impact of your vote and the importance of registering – even filling out your absentee ballot request before you go off to college.”
She stressed over and over again that it is students’ responsibility to “enjoy the right to vote and select officials to represent you. Some countries don’t have this freedom.”
Angela Pacheco ‘23 asked: “How do we ensure our vote is counted?”
To which Bergh replied, “Be proactive. Make sure you send in that ballot 30 days prior to an election.”
Ava Fleming ‘24 asked, “Do you find fraud in early voting?” to which Bergh said, “The process is intense, with many checks and balances.”
Despite adverse or controversial media and social media commentary of late, she continued: “People should know there is great integrity in our local elections”, and to “take the time to learn about the process in order to form an informed opinion.”
Jeffney Peterson ‘23 showed a contemporary view of elections, certainly one America’s youth consider. ”Will there ever be a day when elections are held totally online?” he asked.
Bergh answered, “As there are many different types of people, preferences and age groups voting, there will always be in-person voting. It’s American.”
Bergh noted the importance Catholic education holds in her family, especially as it pertained to Immaculate.
“Immaculate High produces people that are involved, kind, dedicated and caring individuals,” she said.
As the luncheon seminar concluded, DeMassa noted the students demonstrated exceptional interest and participation in the subject of civic responsibilities and voting rights.
“Follow your instincts,” she said. “Enjoy what your moral compass leads you to do.”
As Town Clerk Bergh concluded, her words resonated with the students.
“Your generation will make changes to your world,” Bergh said. “Pick your own path, and make a difference.”
By Michael Macari
