HSLP 2009: Day 11, July 21

High School Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 11— Tuesday, July 21
Reported by: Evan Maxwell, St. Christopher’s School, Midlothian

     Today, on this cool Tuesday morning, I was awoken was a sudden rapping at my door and a voice shouting “Guys, wake up! Let’s go!” I looked down at my cell phone and found, to my horror, that it was already 8:30. I was already late. Two minutes later, I was downstairs and ready to go with my “business casual” polo and khakis. Thankfully I had not been the only participant late, so the inevitable reprimand from our floor manager, Joe, was not directed specifically at me.
     I then powerwalked to Professor Stephen Bragaw’s class, with banana and Coke Zero in tow, an interesting combination, I might add. In Professor Bragaw’s class, The Thoughtful Citizen, we learned about potential difficulties policy can face when being proposed. Professor Bragaw then pulled down the projector to show us several maps, some of which displayed economic and life expectancy data. Professor Bragaw then explained how these maps can be misleading and can be used to manipulate opinion.
     For lunch, much to everyone’s pleasure and excitement, we had pizza from Mellow Mushroom. After our fantastic feast, we sat down with Coy Barefoot of NewsRadio 1070AM WINA to do mock radio interviews. Mr. Barefoot informed us of various techniques radio hosts use to get interviewees off message. I volunteered to do the first radio interview, and while I may be somewhat biased, I believe I did a good job. My favorite quote from today easily comes from our own, Benjamin Bakkum, who said during his own radio interview with Mr. Barefoot “Don’t be coy with me, Mr. Barefoot.”
     Our next speaker was Toby Quaranta, the executive director of the Virginia Young Democrats. He spoke about how he got involved in politics and ways for us to get internships and jobs in politics.
     Once Mr. Quaranta’s presentation had completed, Connie Jorgensen started hers.  Mrs. Jorgensen explained to our group in depth how the legislature works. We learned many strategies and tactics about passing legislation that was not sung in Schoolhouse Rock’s How a Bill Becomes a Law.
     While consuming kebabs during dinner, I thought about our excursion to Richmond that will happen tomorrow. I am excited to return to my home city for a day, and hear from my former boss, Mr. Don Hall, who will speak to us about lobbying. Overall, I have very much enjoyed HSLP, and look forward to the last few days before graduation on Saturday.

—Evan Maxwell, Midlothian