Okemos Fourth Graders Lobby For State Amphibian WKAR by Great Lakes Echo
Northern spring peeper. Image: paherps.com, Bob Hamilton
Some elementary students in Okemos are wrapping up their school year with a crash course in political lobbying.
Four students at the Okemos Public Montessori at Central Elementary have written to state representative Sam Singh asking him to sponsor a bill designating the Northern Spring Peeper as Michigan’s state amphibian.
Gray tree frog. Image: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Jim Harding
There are actually three bills circulating in the Michigan House right now, each for a
different species of frog. The northern spring peeper is the choice here in mid-Michigan. However, last year state representative Pat Somerville introduced a bill supporting the eastern gray tree frog, and state rep Matt Lori is backing the Blanchard’s cricket frog.
Blanchards cricket frog. Image Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Jim Harding
Current State’s Kevin Lavery paid a visit to Central Elementary to find out how the Okemos students got involved. Fourth grade teacher Christine Batora, who goes by “Mrs. Christine,” says she was giving a lesson on our state symbols when the kids were chagrined to learn that Michigan lacks a state amphibian.
I remember this so well! Christine Batora was my 4th grade teacher in Okemos Public Montessori. I was in her class through 3rd and 4th grade. Me and some of my other classmates were assigned to write (from my memory) a persuasive essay about a state amphibian since we didn’t have one. I don’t remember too many details but I do remember that the representative was SAM SINGH, he made the bill. I am currently in 7th grade and don’t remember that many details but I do remember that it was an awfully fun experience.