HSLP 2009: Day 5, July 15

High School Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 5— Wednesday, July 15
Reported by: Hollis Erickson of Loudoun Valley High School, Waterford

     Today the Sorensen Institute High School Leaders Program took a field trip to Alexandria, Virginia.  This adventure began when thirty two sleepy-eyed teenagers boarded a bus at 7 o’clock am.   Three hours later we arrived in Old Town Alexandria.  We entered the city hall and filed into rows ready for a day of intensive listening.  A local government official Frank Fannon started off the series of speakers.  Mr. Fannon described how local government differs from state government.  For only having sixteen days on the job, Mr. Fannon did an excellent job answering all the challenging questions thrown at him.
     Amy Gardner arrived swiftly after Mr. Fannon left the stage.  Gardner is a beat reporter for the Washington Post.  Gardner works specifically with political campaign coverage.  A concern was brought up during Gardner’s speech involving the diminishing popularity of print news coverage.  Lunch was an extended hour and a half today allowing the students time for a walk around lovely Old Town Alexandria.  After arriving back from lunch, the next scheduled speaker, Steve Shannon, was running late due to his present campaign for attorney general.  To take his place, Adam Ebbin began his speech. Ebbin held the attention of many Sorensen students with his language and topics.  Steven Shannon arrived and Ebbin kindly let Shannon take the spotlight.  After both Shannon and Ebbin finished talking, photographs were taken with both the politicians and all the Sorensen students. 
     Delegate Bob Brink was the next to take the stage and give his speech.  Mr. Brink answered many of the students’ challenging questions and provided very useful information for our upcoming group projects.  After a long day, all the students boarded the bus to drive to dinner.  An hour later the Sorensen bus arrived at Hard Times Café.  A lovely dinner and fun games of pool were had by all. Back on the magical Sorensen bus we went.  The drive from Manassas back to Charlottesville was a long two and a half hours filled with songs and chatter.  Currently back at Bice Dorms, students are brainstorming ideas in their project groups for the paper introduction due  on Friday.

—Hollis Erickson, Waterford