PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Visits Tenafly Middle School, Encourages Civic Engagement and Leadership

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" class="wp-image-12023" height="659" src="https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/gottheimer.house.gov/uploads/2026/04/image-4-1024x659.png" width="1024" /></figure>

<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Above: Congressman Gottheimer speaks to Tenafly Middle School</em></p>

<p><strong>TENAFLY, NJ —</strong>&nbsp;Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited Tenafly Middle School, where he spoke with students about the importance of curiosity, civic engagement, and leadership in strengthening American democracy.</p>

<p>Addressing the Tenafly Middle School Eighth Grade class, Gottheimer emphasized that young people play a critical role in shaping the nation’s future. He encouraged students to stay engaged, ask questions, and take an active role in their communities.</p>

<p>“Democracy is not a spectator sport,”&nbsp;<strong>said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).</strong>&nbsp;“It only works if people are willing to step in and step up.”</p>

<p>Drawing from his own upbringing in New Jersey and his path to public service, Gottheimer highlighted the value of problem-solving, collaboration, and respect for different viewpoints. He also underscored the importance of the Constitution and the responsibility each generation has to uphold its values.</p>

<p>The visit, which included discussions with school leadership and local officials, reaffirmed Gottheimer’s deep commitment to connecting with students across New Jersey’s Fifth District.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​</p>

<p>Gottheimer closed by encouraging students to lead with empathy, curiosity, and courage, noting that their voices and actions will help define the future of the country.</p>

<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Below: Congressman Gottheimer visits Tenafly Middle School, speaks with students.&nbsp;</em></p>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" class="wp-image-12024" height="677" src="https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/gottheimer.house.gov/uploads/2026/04/image-5-1024x677.png" width="1024" /></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" class="wp-image-12025" height="678" src="https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/gottheimer.house.gov/uploads/2026/04/image-6-1024x678.png" width="1024" /></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" class="wp-image-12026" height="671" src="https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/gottheimer.house.gov/uploads/2026/04/image-7-1024x671.png" width="1024" /></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" class="wp-image-12027" height="669" src="https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/gottheimer.house.gov/uploads/2026/04/image-8-1024x669.png" width="1024" /></figure>

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<p>The post <a href="https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-gottheimer-visits-tenafly-middle-school-encourages-civic-engagement-and-leadership">PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Visits Tenafly Middle School, Encourages Civic Engagement and Leadership</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gottheimer.house.gov">Josh Gottheimer</a>.</p>