HSLP 2011: Day 12-Wednesday, July 20

High School Leaders Program
Day 12- Wednesday, July 20th
Reported by: Raleigh Matteo, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Julian Tamayo, McLean High School

Today we took a road trip to the beautiful city of Richmond, Va. We were downstairs waiting for the bus at 6:45 a.m. Most of us slept on the hour and a half bus ride, sleep that was much needed after an exhausting night of working on our projects.

We arrived at the capitol around 9:30 a.m. and were treated to a wonderful tour. The new edition of the Capitol is well-designed and tasteful. Along our tour we had an unexpected encounter with Gov. Bob McDonnell and were lucky enough to be able to get a picture with him. After that we were guided to the House Chamber, where we had the pleasure of listening to two distinguished delegates, Del. Chris Peace (R-Mechanicsville) and Del. Jenn McClellan (D-Richmond). They both spoke of their experience with politics and elections.

After a delectable, catered lunch from a local sandwich place, we all sat in anticipation for the slew of high-profile speakers. The composition of the speaker schedule was very much in tune with the Capitol building environment. Many of the speakers had impromptu meetings or other pressing matters to attend. Therefore, the day did not go exactly as planned. All in all, we heard from Paul Brockwell (VPAP), Del. Joe Morrissey (D-Highland Springs), Tucker Martin (McDonnell's communications director), two legislative aides and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling. Despite the fact that today had a long list of speakers, the speakers were very captivating and energetic. We got back on the bus around 3:30 p.m., and Joe Stanley popped in a movie for all of us to enjoy. However, most of us quickly fell asleep after a long day walking around the Capitol.

The daunting culminating project work was looming over us as we got back to Bice. Some of us ate a quick dinner and got right to work, but others decided to relax either in our apartments or out on grounds. The final reports are due tomorrow, and yet the general consensus is that we are all prepared and proud to turn in our proposed legislation. Tomorrow is also our last day of class, which is bittersweet to say the least. This program is quite unlike regular school in that, by the end, everyone is saddened by the prospect of leaving. We only have a couple days left and we intend to make the most of them.