Newsroom Archive for 07/24, 2008

High School Leaders Program Class of 2008
Day 12, Wednesday, July 23
Reported by: Khadeeja Ashai, Kimberly Quick, and James Paulose

     Today was a really great day since we went to Richmond. The day began early as we had to be on the bus by 7:30. After that we were off to the state's capital. When we got to the Capitol building, we went to one of the committee rooms. We learned that the new visitors' entrance and museum is actually underground.
     Inside, we were able to listen to numerous speakers, the first of which was Ms. Christie Bieber, a representative from the Virginia Young Democrats. She told us about how she became interested in politics in her freshman year of college and stressed the importance of civic involvement in any way, especially by voting and registering others to vote. After her, we listened to Ms. Eva Hardy who explained to us the inside story of what actually happens in the Capitol building. Her experiences were especially enlightening since she has worked with both Former Governors Chuck Robb and Gerald Baliles.
     We had lunch after hearing these two speakers. However, when we got back from lunch, we were in for a pleasant and honorable surprise. Former Lt. Governor John Hager had come to speak to us. He told us of his incredible life story including how after he became inflicted with polio, his political career took off. Seeing how he had come so far was an inspiration. He even told us a little bit about his son's wedding to First Daughter Jenna Bush.
     We later heard from Attorney General Bob McDonnell (see photo). We were struck by how personable and charismatic he really is. Although he could only stay for a brief period of time, he answered as many questions as he possibly could, even those relating to his upcoming bid for the Republican nomination for governor in 2009. We then went on a short tour of the newly renovated Capitol building. We did not know that the Senate and House of Delegates are so divided until we went on the tour. We even saw a picture of Lt. Governor Hager in the Senate. We went on to hear from two lobbyists from the consulting firm McGuire Woods. They helped us to see that not all lobbyists fit the stereotype of being unethical and misleading. Our day at the Capitol ended with a talk from a lawyer from the Attorney General's office, Eric Gregory. He amused us by telling us of his most interesting case which involved the illegal possession of monkeys.
     We had an amazing dinner at Max and Erma's where a man made balloon animals for us. Finally, we were on our way home where we are now, all busy putting the finishing touches on our culminating project papers which are due tomorrow morning! We are looking forward to an exciting last few days at Sorensen.
—Khadeeja Ashai of Yorktown, York High School Class of 2009
    Kimberly Quick of Chesterfield, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School Class of 2010

     Today was by far one of the most informative and fun days of our two-week Sorensen experience. We had the great opportunity to travel to our state capital in Richmond where we learned the ins and outs about policymaking in Virginia. The day also provided us with a chance to bond closer together as a group as we also elected Caroline Wulf as our Class Chair and Martina Hairston as our graduation speaker this Saturday.
     Our first speaker was Christie Bieber of The Young Democrats. Mrs. Bieber gave us much insight into the Young Democrats organization which works to attract and inform citizens from the age of 13-35 about the Democratic platform. What fascinated me more, however, was her prioritization of registering all possible voters, especially youths, even if some of them were to vote Republican.
     Next, we heard from Eva Hardy from the Dominion Resources Company. Mrs. Hardy, provided insight into her analysis of policymaking in Virginia, having worked inside the state government in the past. It was interesting to see how she currently works to influence policy by serving outside the policymaking spectrum as a lobbyist for Dominion Resources. Her talk about such virtues as honesty, listening, and communication, provided the basis for conducting ourselves as informed citizens in the democratic process.
     We broke for lunch and then heard from former Lieutenant Governor John Hager who played a key role in Virginia following the 9/11 attacks by serving as the Virginia security liaison to the federal government.
      Our class then had the distinguished honor of hearing from Attorney General Bob McDonnell. Though his time with us was brief, Attorney General McDonnell provided us with a truly unique experience as he discussed the aspects of his role in Virginia government. His insightful responses to our questions ranging from policymaking to his own beliefs and platform for his campaign as Governor in 2009 further strengthened our passion for Virginia government. 
     After meeting with Attorney General McDonnell our class then had the privilege of taking a tour of the majestic capital of our proud state. During the tour, we viewed the chamber of the House of Delegates, the Senate Chamber, the Old House Chamber, and the rotunda containing all eight Virginia-born presidents. The awe-inspiring beauty of the capital itself was enough to intrigue us, but the profound history behind the capital was even more interesting.
     The tour ended with our final group of speakers. Jeff Britt and Felix Sarfo-Kantanka of McGuireWoods Consulting talked to us about the role of lobbying in Virginia. Finally, we heard from Eric Gregory, Assistant Attorney General, who added much to what Attorney General McDonnell shared about the role of the office in state government.We ended our excursion with a great dinner at Max & Erma’s and then enjoyed the bus ride back to campus which gave us more time to bond together as friends. Tonight is the final night before our culminating group project papers are due, and so we will be making one final push for completing that.
     With only three days left, it is exhilarating to sit back and think about how much of an influence this program has had on me. Not only have I learned so much about Virginia politics itself, but I have also attained a great experience by interacting everyday with my fellow classmates whom I have the honor of calling my friends. I absolutely cannot wait to see what tomorrow holds in store for us.
— James Paulose of Fredericksburg, James Monroe High School Class of 2010