August 25, 2001
Two Columbian students learn government up close
By Cathy Willoughby
Staff Writer
Two Columbian High School seniors had the opportunity to get the inside track on how state government works this summer.
Kate Purnell and Sara Theis spent three days in August in Columbus as part of the "Government Symposium."
They initially had applied to participate in Girls State, yet didn't make the cut. "This was the alternative,'' Theis said. "We had to apply and write an essay, answer some questions.''
They stayed at Ohio State University with between 60 and 70 other high school students from Ohio and bordering areas.
Sponsored by the Junior State of America organization, the students took part in sessions in the Senate chambers of the state Capitol building. "We listened to different speeches about different parts of the government,'' Purnell explained. "And we saw a couple of non-voting sessions. They would convene, make a motion to accept. It took two minutes at the longest.''
They heard from people who worked for and with, state policy makers. "A lobbyist told some personal stories,'' Theis said. "It was interesting to hear from people who worked it. And we talked about some issues, and we could ask questions on the issues.''
After each session, the students would meet in their groups with a facilitator for "thought talks.'' "We would discuss policies like affirmative action, abortion and capital punishment,'' Purnell said. "Those were the three main topics. And we talked about school reform. We also discussed our impressions of the speeches and talks.''
"We had a formal debate on abortion,'' Theis added. "It was fun.''
Purnell said she would like to pursue a degree in law, and "maybe try to be an appointed official.''
Theis is planning a career in interior design.
"I got to meet a lot of new people,'' Purnell said of the symposium. "And I got to hear politicians' views on the issues without as much propaganda. And hear other people my age's views.''
"I really enjoyed that,'' Theis agreed. "It opened my eyes to other points of view that I didn't think about until there.''
"I really enjoyed the debate,'' Theis added. "I'm more into art than politics. The closed session review, it was neat to see that. And it was cool to be in a formal debate. It was a new experience, that's what was so fun about it.''