By By Adrienne McKenzie
Perry Crutchfield's senior government classes at Escambia County High School learned first-hand from state representative Alan Baker what it is like to be a government official.
Baker spoke to five of Crutchfield's classes about both national and state government.
"I spoke to them generally about the government, but more specifically I compared the national government to the state government," Baker said. "I was trying to provide personal instances in state government and talk about some of the state's issues that specifically effect young people."
Baker said the day at ECHS went well.
"I thought it went wonderfully," he said. "I enjoyed the opportunity to speak to young people and provide the insight in government and hopefully spark some interest in voting and democracy."
Crutchfield said she invited Baker to her senior classes because next year the students will have the opportunity for voting.
"I invited him mainly because the seniors are going to be able to vote next year and I wanted them to get to meet an elected official," Crutchfield said. "I wanted them to get to see what he does and since he is there representative I thought it would be good for them to meet him."
Crutchfield said she thinks the students learned a lot from Baker's experiences.
"It was great," she said. "A lot of the students had great questions for him and they were all very attentive."
Wednesday was not Baker's first experience in the classroom. He has 27 years of public service as an educator. He taught history as well as coached football and track.
Baker will be speaking to classes at Flomaton High School, W.S. Neal Middle School and W.S. Neal High School in the near future.