Newsroom Archive for 07/17, 2008

Members of the High School Leaders Program Class of 2008 with former Virginia Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Mark Warner

High School Leaders Program Class of 2008
Day 5, Wednesday, July 16
Reported by: Sirisha Iruvanti, Caroline Wulf, and Jimmy Underhill

     Today we woke up extraordinarily early to get on the bus and make our way to the exciting city of Alexandria. We started our day with a very “politically-appropriate-across the aisle” and enlightening presentation from Mr. Will Payne, the Executive Director for Virginians for Warner.  Next came a pleasantly surprising visit from former Governor Mark Warner. We listened in awe to the Governor’s various discussions on the importance of crossing the line to bipartisan party politics and seeing ourselves as not just Republicans, and not just Democrats, but as proud Virginians. For the first time this week, every single one of us was determined to fully participate and, as the Governor put it, “Ask away!” Some of our lucky classmates included the ever-inquisitive Mitch Caudill, the all-knowing Colin Harris, and several others.   After a life-changing discussion with “HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR," we met Kristie Helmick and Kala Quintana, both of whom were passionate about the vital debate about Virginia’s transportation issues. 
     Afterwards, we gathered outside the city hall fountain to replenish our hungering brains and bellies. Environmentally-conscious Maribel and Kevin made sure the birds and the recycling bin did not get left out in the replenishing. Full and satisfied, we made our way back to the beautiful City Hall, and met with Amy Gardner of the Washington Post.  After that, Delegate Margie Vanderhye shared her thoughts about the perils of the Transportation Special Session. At last, we met the “ever-invigorating” Mr. Lance Mallano, who provided us with extremely precise historically significant information about the City itself, Alexandria. As we sit here pondering the “ever-eventful” events of the day, a last and final thought comes to our minds, “So…what DO we do about the transportation problem?!”
— Sirisha Iruvanti of Yorktown, Tabb High School Class of 2009 
     Caroline Wulf of Virginia Beach, Princess Anne High School Class of 2009

     Today was our first of two field trips with the Sorensen Institute. Today we went to Alexandria in Northern Virginia. I woke up at 6:35, giving me just enough time to wash up, put on my suit and eat two poptarts before meeting downstairs at 7:00. We rode the bus for about 2 hours before arriving at town hall in Alexandria. Our first speaker was Will Payne, a representative for the Mark Warner senatorial campaign. Mr. Payne explained the importance of character and party loyalties. Following Mr. Payne's address we enjoyed a special visit from former governor Mark Warner himself. I was very impressed with Governor Warner's ability to address touchy issues in detail like the problem of healthcare. After the Governor was done speaking we had a photo-op and took several pictures with "his excellencey." Next we were addressed by Kale Quintana and Kristie Helmick about one of the major problems in the Commonwealth of Virginia, transportation. It was especially interesting to hear from Ms. Helmick because she was very passionate about helping the Commonwealth.
     Finally we had a pleasant lunch of gourmet sandwiches and beverages. Lunch was especially nice because after eating we had a good amount of time to explore Old Town Alexandria and learn about that particular region of Virginia. After lunch Amy Gardner came to talk to us about the media and politics. It was very interesting to hear her perspective working with a major media corporation. We also learned to be careful using the media because it can be very easy to offend or slander without really realizing it. Next Delegate Vanderhye came to speak about her experience coming out of the Sorensen Institute and then running for and winning office. Her experiences were very insightful and helpful for anyone with the intention of running for public office in the future.
     Our last speaker changed the subject from politics. Instead about talking about the media or transportation, we learned about the history of Alexandria and how the city evolved over time to become one of the most historically significant towns in Virginia today. Finally we all loaded up on the bus and drove to Hard Times Cafe for dinner, then continued back to Bice hall to complete the day's activities.
— Jimmy Underhill of McLean, Langley High School Class of 2009