Mercy Academy juniors gain real-world civics experience through Legislative Breakfast, trip to Frankfort

In the last few weeks, juniors at Mercy Academy have immersed themselves in practical lessons in civics through direct interaction with state leaders and advocates. Each year, the junior class takes part in the Junior Service-Learning Program. Students kick-off their service-learning experience at the Muhammad Ali Center, where they reflect on what it means to be active civic leaders in their community. Students then take part in the annual Legislative Breakfast, which took place at Mercy Academy on January 31, as well as a trip to Frankfort during the Legislative Session, which took place February 6.

The Legislative Breakfast offers opportunities for students to meet with their own elected officials and build relationships with them outside of Frankfort. Students are encouraged to have conversations with their legislators and learn about them not only as elected officials, but also as community members. Students have the opportunity to ask them about their background, experience as an elected official, why they chose to get involved in civic leadership, their favorite part about the district they serve, and other inquiries. Following the Legislative Breakfast, students take part in an Advocacy Workshop where they hear from local advocates on their experiences in Frankfort and better understand the importance of youth voice in advocacy.

"By engaging in conversation and dialogue with their legislators, students build rapport and gain confidence in preparation for their trip to Frankfort in the following weeks," said Melissa Smith, Director of Service-Learning & Leadership at Mercy Academy.

During the trip to Frankfort, students were able to meet with their state representatives and senators as well as attend Senate and House Committee meetings, along with the 2025 Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus 17th Annual Black History Celebration.

In total, over 20 meetings were held between students, representatives and senators throughout the day. Students researched and advocated on behalf of several bills currently filed in the 2025 General Assembly, including SB 52 - Display of Child Labor Laws in Schools, HB 74 - Provide Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Schools, HB 107 - Ensure Access to Unemployment Benefits for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Abuse, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking, and HB 187 - Support Youth Tobacco Prevention and Cessation.

The entire Class of 2026 participated in the Legislative Breakfast and visit to Frankfort, comprising nearly 120 students using their voices to advocate on behalf of their community.

These events were facilitated through Mercy Academy's Service-Learning Program. Through the program, students are called to be leaders who act for justice in the community through direct action, by addressing immediate needs in the community, and social action, by addressing root causes of injustice to bring about long-term systemic change.

In their freshman year, students are introduced to service through classroom activities and community engagement. Sophomores partner with local agencies for an eight-week service project, while juniors explore the complexities of social systems and advocate for change with state legislators. In their senior year, students develop service capstone projects addressing community issues related to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy - immigration, anti-racism, nonviolence, environmental justice, and women's issues - equipped with tools to make a lasting impact.

"Opportunities to engage in advocacy are extremely important as we prepare our Mercy students to be active leaders in their community," Smith said. "By offering these opportunities, students can practice leadership skills and become more comfortable using their voices to advocate on behalf of the communities they serve. We help encourage our students to be able to lead and willing to serve."