Del. Kristen Amundson has initiated several programs to involve more young voters in their state government.
This year, Amundson sponsored the fourth Young Leaders Program. The program selected six outstanding young leaders for a three-day internship in the state capitol.
The six students selected for this year's program were Christine Rea and Omar Shairzay from Mount Vernon High School and Alexander Arnold, Alyssa Kuhn, Ijeoma Nwatu, and Molly Turner from West Potomac High School.
On Jan. 30, they traveled to Richmond, where they had a chance to meet people involved with all aspects of state government.
Student leaders also met with Gov. Mark Warner and Lt. Gov. Tim Kaine. They met with Secretary of Education Belle Wheelan, who formerly served as president of Northern Virginia Community College. Jean Jensen, secretary of the State Board of Elections, discussed the importance of every vote. In addition, the students heard a panel discussion conducted by Michael Shear, a reporter from The Washington Post, and Paul Reagan, the Governor's director of communications.
They observed the House and the Senate in action, attended committee meetings, and toured the Executive Mansion.
As part of the program, students are required to complete a project of their own choosing. This year's projects include a study of the transportation problems and the effect on Northern Virginia, the rising price of higher education, and tracking legislation and career paths. Students were also interviewed for a cable television program. Cox Communications, which will air the program on Channel 35, underwrote this year's Young Leaders Program.