LCHS Student Senate Travels to State Capitol
On April 12, the Student Senate of Lake County High School travelled to the State Capitol in Denver to meet elected representatives, sit on the floors of both legislative houses during official business, and take in the sights and sounds of the majestic building.
LCHS’ Student Senate, comprised of 20 elected representatives from the 9th-12 grades (5 reps per grade), arrived at 8 am on April 12 to begin their day meeting Jordan Sanchez. Sanchez is an LCHS grad, small business owner, and works daily in the Capitol as a lobbyist. Soon, there was a meet and greet with Lake County’s State Senator, Mark Baisley (Dist. 4). Senator Baisley and his aide, Mike, took the students on a brief tour of the grand building including a trip to a hearing room. Once upstairs, the group was shown to the Senate floor, they were greeted by other state elected representatives.
After some decorum and pomp, from their advantageous seats, the pupils soon took in the full workings of legislative government. Senator Baisley took a moment in front of the body to publicly acknowledge the Panthers to which an applause spread around the floor and balcony. The students moved on to the House of Representatives after some time.
Jordan, in conjunction with Senator Baisley and Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie’s (Dist. 13) office, again secured prime seats on the House’s floor for a contentious bill banning of sales of assault weapons in Colorado. The House floor was a bit more lax with formalities so the students were able to have their phones out, snapping pictures and shaking hands with House of Representatives members. Ms. Sanchez then hosted the LCHS attendees to a lunch.
The students were able to reach the rotunda for a majestic view of Denver and the snow-capped mountains, just before their meeting with Speaker McCluskie. Speaker McCluskie took and asked questions from the Leadville group. She was most pleased to hear about the students’ plans for their future and their perspectives on issues.
The State Capitol rolled out the red carpet for the Leadville youths. The building, culture, and governmental process left the young adults with memories to last a lifetime.
