Bernie Moreno

COPLEY — Earlier this year, U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) visited students at the Northeast Ohio Classical Academy (NEOCA).

Moreno was given a tour of the school, first stopping in NEOCA’s second grade classroom where students recited the preamble to the Constitution. Additionally, fourth graders memorized and recited a two-page poem titled “George Washington,” by Rosemary and Stephen Vincent Bennet.

Moreno also visited with middle school grades, and one sixth grader had the chance to orate her essay on the importance of senators’ role to the American people.

Fifth and sixth graders teamed up to recite an original poem written by a fifth grader titled “Washington and Cato.” The poem compares George Washington and his leadership inspiration to Cato the Younger, and Moreno was gifted a framed copy of the poem for his office.

The school’s advanced art students created a banner featuring Washington and Cato the Younger to present Moreno. The banner displays Washington’s famous quote from his 1796 farewell address, “The independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint efforts and common danger, sufferings and successes.” According to school officials, students chose this quote because they are learning about Washington’s decision to step down as the leader of the United States to avoid tyranny and a monarchy, and to keep the power with the people.

Moreno thanked the students and invited them all to Washington, D.C., to visit him in the Senate and take a tour of the White House.

The students are looking forward to this trip in the fall.