Students presenting research at the state capitol may not seem like a big deal, but the students who went to the capitol last week may say different.

Eastern’s Day at the Capitol, which took place last week, showcased about 30 research projects and an Eastern jazz band. The idea of the day is to showcase students’ achievements for the legislators and to give students a chance to meet and talk with the legislators.

A usual attendee, the Student Action Team, did not attend this day but will have its own day in a few weeks on April 8.

The researchers’ attendance was important, not just for them to gain the recognition they deserve but to show the state government what Eastern can do. They each took a day out of their busy lives to showcase Eastern.

Students in attendance also got to see a first-hand glimpse at how the state government works.

This is the fourth year Eastern students have gone to the capitol to present research, but the Student Action Team has gone for seven years since its inception.

The mission of the Student Action Team, which lobbies at the state capitol on Eastern’s behalf, is even more important now than in recent years with the ongoing budget problems. Though the extra funding may be harder to attain this year, the students who presented their research last week did their part to show why Eastern deserves anything extra.

Unfortunately, not many state government members were at the capitol when Eastern students were because it was the day after the primary elections. However, those that were in attendance were able to see what students from their communities were researching.

Students who went to Springfield should be commended for taking the extra efforts to achieve excellence. They also can be proud they did their part to showcase Eastern and perhaps win Eastern a little extra money in this budget shortfall year.

However insignificant this event may seem, every little bit counts in the effort to gain more positive recognition for Eastern.