An Up-Close Look

At Goverment

By Tanjua Damon

Understanding how the government works can be a complicated and complex, but Newtown High School junior Chris LaRocque was able to have a better understanding of the government after attending a week-long leadership conference in Washington, D.C.

The National Young Leadership forum held from October 9 through October 14 gave an inside look at the governmental process. Entitled “Future Leaders of Tomorrow Meet the Leaders of Today,” it gave Chris a better understanding of the system.

There were visits with Connecticut representatives and their staff as well as visits to the Capitol, the Pentagon, and other Washington tourist attractions.

“Just being there, meeting all the new people,” Chris said. “It was really neat to deal with mature people and have serious conversations. Everyone has big goals like you. They want to get somewhere in life. They want to excel.”

Chris was able to meet Representative James Maloney and heard a press conference that Senator Joseph Lieberman gave. Chris was glad for the opportunity to meet the legislators for Connecticut and the opportunity to learn more in-depth about the American government.

“I really didn’t know that much before I went,” he said. “I learned so much.”

It had been about a month after the attacks in Washington, D.C., and New York when Chris and the rest of the group from around the country met for the conference. Chris said he felt safe and that the mood there was good.

“In terms of safety, I felt totally safe,” he said. “It was upbeat. It seemed like lots of stuff was happening. There were still a lot of tourists. I would have liked to have stayed longer.”

Chris recommends the conference to any student who has an interest in government and the process. “I would say, if you’re interested in that type of stuff, and interacting with other people and cultures, it’s cool.”

The educational opportunity gave Chris an experience that brought him into the process where he could see and ask questions to people who are part of the process daily.

“When you see stuff live and participate in it you are more interested,” Chris said. “It helps you enjoy and understand it more.”

Chris is a member of the student government, charity club, and basketball and baseball teams at the high school. He was nominated to attend the conference by retired guidance counselor Jack Quinlan.