2024 HSLP: Day 13

High School Leaders Program Class of 2024
Day 13: Thursday, July 25, 2024
Reported by: Ava Sophia Robinson,Graham High School, Nick Jiang, Midlothian High School

Today was the final day we were in the classroom. Beginning the day, we watched a documentary about the evolution of the federal constitution. We learned about the arguments for and against changing the constitution and how to voice new ideas for an updated version. Following the documentary, we held our own constitutional convention for the Virginia Constitution. Individuals representing all Virginia Constitutions circa 1830-1971 sat at different tables and discussed potential changes to the Constitution with their peers. Groups were assigned a section and had an hour to submit amendments. After completion, we came together as a group and voted on what should be changed. All of the amendments to the constitution passed and are on their way to the General Assembly. Unfortunately the morning closed when we had to say our final goodbyes to Mrs. Heubeck. We are extremely thankful to be able to learn from her throughout the past 2 weeks and can’t wait to bring everything we learned from her to our communities. 

After lunch we had the opportunity to hear from Jackie Garry and Matt Hall, two individuals from incredibly different backgrounds and who hold incredibly different ideals. However, it wasn’t the differences between them which they focused on, but rather the small similarities they had in common, Taylor Swift and football. Through their cultural similarities they were able to overcome ideological differences, and it is truly this idea of consensus gained through the human experience which we believe is what Sorensen seeks to impart. Additionally, we were given insight into how sometimes as a finance manager for a campaign, Kate Quinn, feels like shes taking initiative to show leadership in her role in order to get the legislator to secure funding for their campaign. On a more unexpected note, Ali Mislowsky, the VaNews director for VPAP, educated us on campaign finance issues and the specifics of Virginia campaign finance. 

As night set in, so did dread as individual policy groups had to ready themselves for the gauntlet that was the practice presentation for their proposed bills. However, the somber mood was quickly turned around as each group went in and received comments, noting that most comments were constructive to their issues.