Capstone Student Legislature 2012

We just completed another week at the Idaho state capitol participating in Capstone Student Legislature. With suit coats donned and hours (10+) worth of homework completed and in tow, my two young men joined forces this year and had a great experience learning about our state government.

I was privileged to serve as Registrar (2011/2012) for this amazing event and therefore had the opportunity to help first hand as well as sit and observe for most of the days they were in attendance.

This was Josiah's 4th (and final) year to attend. He had a great time enjoying what has become a highlight of his year. He served in a variety of capacities as a student leader including acting as "Representative E.Z. Toopersuede" in the opening humorous skit about how a bill comes into law.

Isaac was by far the shortest among the 44 other students (it is like reliving Josiah's first year), but he held his own quite well and participated with confidence. Isaac earned a full ride scholarship to attend Capstone next year after receiving the highest score among new students on his homework which is turned in on the opening day. Isaac labored for 15+ hours on this difficult homework, so we were thrilled to see his efforts pay off.

Both boys had several speaking opportunities including the reading of their bill (each student creates a bill and then defends it through several floor sessions of debate).

These are long days of sitting, touring, debating, and learning. Isaac behaved marvelously in spite of the many opportunities for distractions. Along with touring the state capitol, the new students also met personally with our State Treasurer, State Controller, and Attorney General. In addition, they were privileged to sit in on a floor session of the Idaho House of Representatives as well as listen to personalized speeches from several Representatives and Senators.

As an alumni, Josiah was one of four students chosen to serve as Committee Chair. This is a great opportunity and responsibility as he must observe parliamentary procedure and act in fairness in this position as his committee evaluates and debates a variety of bills.

Josiah also, as an alumni student, spends several hours prior to Capstone week reading and studying a mock court case. During Capstone week, the "Capstone Supreme Court" meets, presents evidence, and is eventually evaluated and judged based on their arguments. Together with a team of licensed attorneys brought in for two days, Josiah and other alumni present arguments towards their case. Josiah was the final speaker, answering and rebutting the opponent's arguments on behalf of his "legal team" in this picture.

Both boys participated in several hours of floor debate, presenting arguments and thoughts on the passing or failing of particular bills written by their co-students.

Students, both new and alumni, are nominated by their fellow committee members to run as Representative or Governor. Josiah was nominated and elected as a Representative in 2010. This year he was nominated and elected as the Capstone Student Legislature's Governor!!! This is an esteemed and honored position, requiring the giving of a 4 minute speech to parents, staff, students, and honored legislators present during the Capstone graduation ceremony. Josiah wrote and presented a wonderful speech imploring his fellow students to get involved in their local government and make a difference based on the lessons learned during their Capstone week.

As Governor, he also has the privilege of veto power on certain bills and presents the students with their graduation certificates. This was a tremendous and truly meaningful end to his final year as a Capstone participant.

It's going to be hard to go back to real life after this!! :-) But alas, the classes and tests resume and the laundry awaits!