Lenihan Intermediate School fifth grader Jay Helton is seated in the Iowa House chamber at the Iowa State Capitol on January 12. Also pictured are, from left, State Representative Mark Smith, Jason Helton (Jay’s dad), Nancy Mercer (Jay’s grandmother), Miki Helton (Jay’s mother) and Reverend Bill Spangler-Dunning of a church in Newton, who led the opening prayer. Jay was selected by Smith to lead the Pledge of Allegiance in the Iowa House that day.
Lenihan Intermediate School fifth grader Jay Helton led the Pledge of Allegiance to start the day in the Iowa House chamber at the Iowa State Capitol on January 12.
Jay was invited by State Representative Mark Smith of Marshalltown to lead the pledge. Representative Smith, the Democratic leader of the House, stood by Jay as he recited the pledge.
“It was very exciting, but I was a little nervous,” Jay said.
Jay said he is interested in politics to see how he can improve the world. There to support Jay at the statehouse were his parents, Jason and Miki Helton and grandmother, Nancy Mercer. Miki said she had a “proud mom” moment when Jay led the pledge.
“It was a really cool experience and it was so nice of Mark to invite him,” Miki said.
The group also received a tour of the Capitol from Smith and a staff member.
Jay Helton leads the Pledge of Allegiance.
