Amundson Welcomes Future Leaders to Richmond

Students Nadia Shairzay, Katie O’Connor, Albert Lawrence, Carolyn Amole, Christina Stavridis and Brandon Tillett recently participated in the Groundhog Job Shadow Day program.
 

Delegate Kristen J. Amundson welcomed six area high school students down to Richmond this Monday for the first Groundhog Job Shadow Day. Juniors from Bishop Ireton High School, Mount Vernon High School, and West Potomac High School spent the day familiarizing themselves with the legislative process and worked on individual projects to share with their classmates in the home district.

The legislative Job Shadow experience is dedicated to exploring public service and legislative careers with high school students who demonstrate gifts in leadership within their communities. The students were chosen based on their high levels of academic achievement, and their interest in discovering more about the operation of state government.

Prior to coming to Richmond, each student created an individual study project to investigate one aspect of the legislative process. Some of the student studies included researching environmental protection legislation, writing for the school newspaper, and studying the theatrics of delegates from different localities.

While each student was visiting the General Assembly for the first time, their experiences proved unique. Nadia Shairzay, from Mount Vernon High School, came to the program not knowing what to expect, but said, "I left with a better understanding and appreciation for state government."

Katie O'Connor, from Bishop Ireton High School, enjoyed meeting all of the different delegates with varying opinions. "I didn’t realize how much time and effort goes into passing legislation, and how much one vote counts," she observed.

Delegate Amundson plans to continue the program next year. "These students are clearly future leaders for our community and our nation. I am always enthusiastic about young people becoming interested in our political system."

The other students participating in the Groundhog Job Shadow Day program included Albert Lawrence of Mount Vernon High School, Carolyn Amole, Christina Stavridis and Brandon Tillett of West Potomac High School.