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Falls students learn memorable lesson in government studies

Julie Conti, Niagara Falls High School

On Thursday, 29 students from the Advanced Placement Government class at Niagara Falls High School paid a visit to the White House for an historic occasion.

Their teacher, Julie Conti, spoke with WBFO as their bus moved along the Washington streets on their way to the South Lawn of the White House. The students and staff were going to be part of the official greeting as new Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met for the first time with President Obama. 

"Beacause we are a border community, our mayor (Paul Dyster) was afforded the opportunity to bring some guests to the White House for this historic occasion," Conti explained.

"Our classroom has been involved for many years in the non-partisan Election Project and our students stood out so much this year we were invited to do the Pledge at the swearing in ceremonies for all the newly elected county and city officials." 

One of Conti's students will be following a family tradition: His father and grandfather met past Presidents during active duty in the military. Another student was selected for a personal meeting with President Obama.

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Jay joined Buffalo Toronto Public Media in 2008 and has been local host for NPR's "Morning Edition" ever since. In June, 2022, he was named one of the co-hosts of WBFO's "Buffalo, What's Next."

A graduate of St. Mary's of the Lake School, St. Francis High School and Buffalo State College, Jay has worked most of his professional career in Buffalo. Outside of public media, he continues in longstanding roles as the public address announcer for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League and as play-by-play voice of Canisius College basketball.