Newsroom Archive for 07/17, 2009

High School Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 6— Thursday, July 16
Reported by: Kevin Herbst, Goode

     Today was yet another informative and exciting day at the Sorensen Institute High School Leaders Program. To start, today was a casual day which was welcome by all as an excuse to get up later and skip the time required to dress in formal business attire. After a quick breakfast of maybe a bagel, we set off for a lesson on the Constitution of Virginia. This, coupled with our reading of the Constitution from the previous night, led to a better understanding of our state. For example, did you know that there have been six versions of the Virginia Constitution? Or that the Virginia Constitution allows for a line- item vetoes, which allow the governor to remove and insert articles into bills sent to him for approval or denial?
     After this lesson, we welcomed Mr. David Ledbetter who spoke to us about Virginia’s Trial Courts. His lessons included views on the re-enfranchisement of former felons as well as Virginia judges being elected through popular vote. Lunch was an exciting meal of wraps which were discarded by some and devoured by others. After this, we ventured to a new classroom we had yet to go to. Mr. Coy Barefoot gave us an interesting lecture on media as well as other aspects of political advertisement from 1 to 2:30pm. His lessons helped display the pyramid of political messages and how themes are interpreted by the lowest down on the "understanding totem pole." I would have to say this was the most interesting lecture to date. Mr. Barefoot also discussed the ways in which debates and television politics have evolved.
     The final session of the day consisted of two group presentations, one of which I was a member of. Our lesson included the Virginia governor’s role as well as the legislature, while the other group was responsible for covering the judiciary. The day was wrapped up in exciting debate over whether Virginia governors should be able to serve two terms consecutively. As a member of the positive side, I would have to say we won and presented some excellent reasons why governors should be allowed to run consecutively for terms. Hopefully tomorrow will be just as fun.

—Keving Herbst, Goode