RELEASE, Rep Smith Engages Dufur Students and Community Through Civics Lesson and Town Hall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 13, 2026

REPRESENTATIVE SMITH ENGAGES DUFUR STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY THROUGH CIVICS LESSON AND TOWN HALL

DUFUR, OR. – Representative Gregory Smith (R-Heppner) visited Dufur High School to teach a civics lesson to the ninth-grade Global Studies class before concluding the day with a community town hall focused on local priorities and open dialogue.

Dufur pupils received a hands-on look at the legislative process, taking on the roles of elected officials, members of the media, and community advocates. Through active participation, students demonstrated strong critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence as they debated issues and made decisions together.

“It was exciting to watch these students engage so thoughtfully and confidently,” said Representative Smith. “They didn’t hesitate to step into leadership roles, and their ideas reflected a real understanding of collaboration and responsibility.”

“Having Representative Smith visit our ninth-grade Global Studies class gave students a meaningful, real-world understanding of how government works,” said the reigning Regional Teacher of the Year, Sarah Anderson. “The hands-on approach kept students engaged and helped them connect what they learn in the classroom to how decisions are actually made.”

Watch How a bill becomes a law with Dufur High School.

Following the school visit, Representative Smith met with members of the Dufur community for a town hall discussion focused on open and constructive dialogue. Residents shared perspectives on local priorities, ongoing challenges, and areas where improvement is needed.

“The pride people take in their community was evident,” Representative Smith said. “The engagement and ideas shared reinforced why it’s so important to show up, listen, and stay connected to the people we serve.”

Dufur Superintendent Kristin Whitley stated, “It was a pleasure to host Representative Smith at Dufur School. We are very thankful for the time that he spent in our ninth-grade Global Studies classroom, as well as the town hall with our entire high school student body and the Dufur community at large. He is welcome back anytime!”

Watch Dufur Town Hall.

Pictured left to right: Geelah Clark, Cadence Young, and Representative Smith

Representative Smith is the Republican budget leader who represents the entirety of Morrow, Gilliam, Sherman, and Wheeler counties, as well as portions of Clackamas, Jefferson, Marion, Umatilla, and Wasco Counties.