TISHOMINGO, Okla. -- Monday, September 17th, is Constitution Day, and lawmakers all across the country are celebrating by sharing the news with local students.

On Monday, Oklahoma State Senator Jay Paul Gumm from Durant stopped in Tishomingo at the high school to talk to juniors and seniors on why it's important to vote and about being a lawmaker.

It's part of a national program called "America's Legislators Back To School."

Senator Gumm says his interest in public office started when an elected official visited his elementary school.

“One of the things that would make me most proud is that when my time in the legislature is done, one of these young people that I’ve talked to over the years is the one who steps up and takes my place. That’s a responsibility we have as leaders, to help prepare that next generation and something that would be great for one of the kids to take my place someday," Gumm said.

Senator Gumm will be speaking to students all across his Southern Oklahoma district all this week.