HSLP 2009: Day 12, July 22

High School Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 12— Wednesday July 22
Reported By: Trevor Langan of Patrick Henry High School, Roanoke
 
     This morning my alarm clock woke me up properly, rather than yesterday when it failed to go off. However, today’s alarm was earlier than most for today was our field trip to Richmond.  In fact, all of us woke up on time and loaded the bus in business professional attire before our executive director, Bob Gibson.
     Once we got to the Capitol Building, we made our way through security (but not before my tie clip set off the metal detector) and into a committee chamber which became our lecture room for the day.
     Our first speaker was Don Hall – the most successful lobbyist in Richmond.  Don represents the Virginia Auto Dealer Association (for the purpose of full disclosure, Mr. Hall drives a Corvette Z06).  He gave an enthusiastic presentation in which he repeatedly stated, “You can disagree without being disagreeable.”
     Our next speaker was Ms. Lucy Hutchinson from the office of gubernatorial appointments.  She gave a talk about her position and how students my age can serve on a number of different committees in youth positions.
     Next, we were joined by Randy Marcus – chief of staff for the office of Lieutenant Governor, Bill Bolling.  He concentrated his discussion on campaigning, by request of Mr. Gibson.  I found his talk to be informative to the specifics of campaign advertising.
     After lunch, we were treated to a tour of the Capitol by a very charismatic guide.  He explained the history of the building that was designed in Paris by Mr. Thomas Jefferson.  While in Presidents’ Hall, he told us that any of us who become president can have our own bust sit amongst the ones already decorating the walls.
     Following the tour, we made our way back to the lecture hall.  Three more speakers came and joined us – Pat Mullins, Attorney General Bill Mims, and Will Frank.  Pat, chair of the Republican party of Virginia, spurred an intense discussion during his Q&A.
     As exciting as the events I’ve so far described may have seen, I failed to mention the most momentous one of all.  During lunch, our wonderful program managers quickly came to rush us back into the committee room.  There was a rumor that a certain someone was in the building and may be stopping by to say “hello.”  That someone turned out to be the Democratic candidate for the office of the governor – Sen. Creigh Deeds.  We were so glad to be able to ask a few questions and to shake his hand.  He gives the impression of a genuine person who really wants to help the citizens of the Commonwealth.  I heard many of my peers wish him good luck in the upcoming election.
 
—Trevor Langan, Roanoke