March 26, 2005: Headlines: Staff: Politics: Congress: Charleston Gazette: Senator Jay Rockefeller believes every young American should give up at least a year of service to the Peace Corps or a similar organization. He shared the fact that he did this very thing when he was young, and it was an amazing experience for him
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March 26, 2005: Headlines: Staff: Politics: Congress: Charleston Gazette: Senator Jay Rockefeller believes every young American should give up at least a year of service to the Peace Corps or a similar organization. He shared the fact that he did this very thing when he was young, and it was an amazing experience for him
Senator Jay Rockefeller believes every young American should give up at least a year of service to the Peace Corps or a similar organization. He shared the fact that he did this very thing when he was young, and it was an amazing experience for him
Senator Jay Rockefeller believes every young American should give up at least a year of service to the Peace Corps or a similar organization. He shared the fact that he did this very thing when he was young, and it was an amazing experience for him
Jay talking: ; Students get the chance to rap with Rockefeller
Mar 26, 2005
Charleston Gazette
We thought it was going to be just another day at Scott High School when we walked into the gym March 11, but we were in for a big surprise. U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., was coming to speak to two groups of students that very afternoon.
Of course, all of Scott's teachers were in a frenzy making sure rooms were tidy and students were on their best behavior. It's not often that someone of Rockefeller's rank pays a visit to such a rural community.
Rockefeller met with two classes: economics and computer applications. He stressed the fact that it is important for high school seniors to discuss and become involved in political issues now that the time has come for them to be voting citizens.
He knew a lot of us were uneasy about openly discussing issues with him, so he did his best to help his audience feel comfortable. He spoke of his childhood and of his experiences early in life.
One of the most interesting ideas Rockefeller brought up was that he believes every young American should give up at least a year of service to the Peace Corps or a similar organization. He shared the fact that he did this very thing when he was young, and it was an amazing experience for him.
"I was impressed with Senator Rockefeller's emphasis on doing missionary work and its ways for students to find a new direction for their lives," economics teacher Tom Bias said.
Gradually, students became more comfortable with the fact that Rockefeller was actually in their classroom. They got over the initial shock of the fact that he stands more than 6 feet tall. His stature definitely made things intimidating at first.
Students asked questions about the war in Iraq, national debts, the draft and higher education. Rockefeller answered everything they asked. He stressed his personal stances, but also asked for students' opinions on certain issues. It was evident that he cares what young people have to say.
"He said some real thought-provoking things that opened up my views to politics," senior Josh Shadd said.
It also was apparent that Rockefeller loves what he does. He said he doesn't see himself getting out of the spotlight anytime soon. He also stressed the fact that public speaking is a big part of being a U.S. senator. Public opinion plays a major role in the way he handles issues.
"Senator Rockefeller was down-to-earth," senior Candess Workman said. "He had a direct answer for every question and didn't dance around the issues."
Vice Principal Doug Cox agreed. "Senator Rockefeller made sure all answers were complete. He gave the impression that he was more than just a representative of the people, and very accessible to his constituents."
Students seemed pleased that Rockefeller recognized Scott High School, even though it is located in a very small community. Some of the things he said made us think, see things more clearly or consider issues from a different perspective. Sometimes it takes more than CNN for teens to become interested in what is going on around the rest of the world. This may have done the trick.
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Story Source: Charleston Gazette
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Staff; Politics; Congress
PCOL18096
14
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Hi Guys,
I am trying to track down the email address of Scott Young, a peace corp guy who was working teaching diving in Leyte, the Philippines until last year. If you can help me please email nickos44@yahoo.com.au,
thanks
Nick
