PHILADELPHIA – The Pennsylvania State Senate held a ceremonial gathering Tuesday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to honor America’s 250th birthday, said Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48).
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward presided over the meeting, which included senators representing all corners of the commonwealth and students from across the state as part of a partnership with America250PA.
The U.S. declared its independence in Philadelphia in 1776 and to this day the Keystone State continues to play a major role in the growth and evolution of the nation. The ceremonial gathering of the Pennsylvania State Senate is a historical tradition.
Gebhard was joined at the ceremony by Tanner Zimmerman, a senior at Cornwall-Lebanon School District, who was recently named one of two Seniors of the Year. Over the past four years, Tanner has been an dedicated member of his local FFA chapter, serving as president, vice president and treasurer.
“Pennsylvania played a pivotal role in the founding of our great nation, and I was honored to participate in this ceremonial session in Philadelphia to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary,” Gebhard said. “I had the opportunity to bring one student guest, and Tanner immediately came to mind. His accomplishments and leadership in agriculture and the community truly represent the 48th District well.”
Beyond FFA, Tanner is involved in Students for Christ, Student Council, the Lebanon Area Junior Fair Board and serves as captain of the track team. He is also actively involved in his church, demonstrating a strong commitment to both his school and community.
Tuesday marked the fourth meeting in the last 100 years that has taken place outside of the State Capitol in Harrisburg. The previous three meetings were also held in Philadelphia to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1926, and the 200th anniversary of the Declaration’s signing in 1976. The Pennsylvania State Senate held a similar gathering in September 1987 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.
CONTACT: Alex Gamble, 717-787-5708