School program planned to vote for a New York state butterfly

School program planned to
vote for a New York state butterfly

Assemblywomen Susan John (131st District) has planned a butterfly contest to involve third, fourth and fifth graders in a statewide vote to determine the New York State Butterfly. John invited school principals to have their students participate in this unique opportunity.

John has joined with many of her Assembly colleagues across the state in this initiative inviting students to vote on several butterflies. After a final tally, the winning butterfly will be put into legislation to be voted on by the Senate and Assembly to become the New York State Butterfly.

"I see this as a great opportunity for kids to do background research to justify their choice for state butterfly," said Ralph Charlton, director/entomologist of the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden at the Strong National Museum of Play. "The beauty of butterflies certainly brings much joy and inspiration to children and adults alike and I expect that some children will make their choice based on appearance alone. Still, I hope that the basis for their decision goes deeper than that. Does their butterfly have some special connection to New York, can it be seen and enjoyed by people throughout the state, or does it have interesting behaviors or life history traits that set it apart? These and many other criteria ought to influence how kids vote."

The five butterflies that will be voted on are displayed on her assembly website. She invites you to encourage your schools to take part in this program, giving the students hands on experience about the electoral and legislative process, while having fun. "This contest is a wonderful experience to get our young people involved in learning more about the world around them as well as a way to learn about democracy and the election process. They are being given the chance to get involved in the legislative process and have practical experience through this initiative," she said.

The butterfly nominees are: Black Swallowtail, Karner Blue, Milbert's Tortoiseshell, Mourning Cloak and Red Spotted Purple or White Admiral.