by Nikola Tzenov, photography by Nikola Tzenov
U.S. Rep. Johnny “Johnny O” Olszewski Jr. urged students and community members to become more involved in civic life during McDaniel College’s annual Constitution Day celebration Thursday evening.
The event, hosted by McDaniel’s Political Science Department in Coley Rice Lounge, was free and open to the public. McDaniel College President Julia Jasken gave opening remarks before introducing Olszewski, who represents Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District, including Carroll County.
A former social studies teacher, Olszewski centered his remarks on the opening words of the Constitution’s preamble: “We the People.”
“Our Constitution is written for you,” Olszewski said. “Each and every one in this room is central to the American experiment, and our system of government simply does not work without each of us holding up our end of that work.”
Olszewski reflected on his path into public service, beginning with his upbringing near the Sparrows Point steel mill in eastern Baltimore County. He said the mill’s 2012 closure affected his community not only through the loss of jobs, but also through a loss of hope.
That experience helped motivate him to pursue public service, he said. Olszewski later worked as a Baltimore County teacher, served in the Maryland House of Delegates and became Baltimore County executive before being elected to Congress in 2024.
“There’s something about standing in front of the classroom that teaches you something difficult to learn otherwise,” Olszewski said. “First, how to listen, but also that everyone in the room has something to contribute.”
Olszewski connected those lessons to the Constitution’s goal of forming “a more perfect union,” describing it as an ongoing responsibility passed from one generation to the next.
He discussed several issues he said are priorities in Congress, including housing affordability, government accountability and support for small businesses. He also highlighted two constitutional amendments he has introduced: the ROBE Act, which would establish 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices, and the Pardon Integrity Act, which would give Congress authority to review and reject a presidential pardon in certain circumstances.
Olszewski said constitutional change should be deliberate and follow the process established by the Constitution.
“I’m hoping that I can leave Congress a little better than I found it,” he said. “One step closer to that more perfect union.”
Olszewski concluded by encouraging students and faculty to participate in their communities through service, campus involvement, listening to others and other forms of civic engagement.
His call to action was simple: “Raise your hand and get involved.”
Following his remarks, Olszewski participated in a Q&A session with McDaniel students.
