The principles of democracy class at Wiscasset Middle High School welcomed State Rep. Ed Polewarczyk, Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett, Alna Selectman Ed Pentaleri and Wiscasset Selectman Terry Heller during the first semester.

Senior Mason Clark said, “Sheriff Todd Brackett is an incredible example of what it takes to be a county sheriff. He has the public figure charm, the kindness and compassion, he manages his department well and he's well loved by the people in the county which is why his 22 years of serving as sheriff is still ongoing.”

Ben Roach shared, “Rep. Ed Polewarczyk is a well-achieved man. He worked on the Space Shuttle Program for a total of 34 years, served in the U.S. Army as 1st lieutenant, got into politics. He relates well to the younger generation.”

Pentaleri discussed learning nuclear engineering and physics from University of California-Berkeley and San Jose State University and being a former scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He imparted the importance of community service and Title 30-A Municipalities and Counties to Wiscasset students.

Heller stressed to the students that we all live in Wiscasset not merely for its beauty and history, art and culture, but also for its deep sense of community.

The principles of democracy course instructed by Shanon Cotta examines key concepts and institutions of our American political system and culture. Students read, analyze and discuss the U.S. Constitution, state and federal policy and other primary documents while completing research and applied civic projects.