Unforgettable Memories
--Zachery Mills, Spotswood High School
On Thursday afternoon, after hours of riding on a crowded school bus, hundreds of students from all across the Commonwealth of Virginia poured into the famous city, and capitol, of Richmond, VA. Shortly after arriving, advisors received room keys, consequently sending students to their respective floors and rooms. After a few hours of relaxing and the consumption of a quick meal, the students convened in St. Pauls Episcopal Church for the delivery of an introduction address from the Model General Assembly Officers as well as Governor Bob McDonnell. Reminiscing on the past experiences, I now realize the value of the opportunity to witness and listen to the Governor of Virginia, which was certainly one of the many highlights of my 2010’s MGA.
Following the MGA Officer’s closing statements, the first House and Senate committees assembled to report out and kill various bills. Surprisingly, the sessions began like middle-school dances, with little to no discussion on bills. When nerves finally settled, heated debate ensued showing the true character and personal interests of almost every member. In these debates, students did an excellent job arguing ideas rather than attacking the personal character of other members. After a few hours of work, the Senate and House reported out a number of bills for the House and Senate to debate as a whole the next morning.
Although the Marriott did not provide any sort of complimentary breakfast, students still found ways to quell their appetite either buying the incredibly expensive food from the small gift store or visiting Starbucks for the delicious muffins, pastries, and, most importantly, steamy coffee. After students adamantly fought for or against the bills reported out by committees, all attendees of MGA yearned for a hearty meal. A small restaurant, unknown to many students, known as the Bank, provided an array of delicious restaurant foods in a comfortable environment, filled with classic rock and modern pop music. Following yet another session of heated committee meetings, students were certainly ready to eat at the Banquet, which provided first-class service and an array of well-prepared food, pleasing both the eyes and stomach of MGA students. After the meal, the banquet concluded following speeches for the primary election of MGA’s 2011 officers.
To the surprise of many adults and fellow students, MGA turned into a full blown high school party after the banquet. With loud music, strobe lights, and a small, humid room, the previously formal Senators, Delegates, and many other members of MGA quickly became a mass of dancing high school partygoers. The dance lasted for about three hours, which included a small dance off, crowd surfing, and even a short rave as Darude’s prominent hit single “Sandstorm” inspired all students to jump into the air. After hours of hot dancing, everyone returned to their rooms for a few hours of sleep before awakening for the final convention between House and Senate members to approve last minute bills.
After looking back on my experience at the 2010 Model General Assembly, I sincerely wish I could have attended MGA earlier in my high school career, and I covet the students who were able to attended consecutive MGA gatherings. This experience will surely be one of my most memorable of all my high school adventures. Although being a reporter has been an extraordinarily fun experience, I also wish I could have expressed my personal opinions and thoughts about various bills in front of my fellow students. Even if students have had very little public speaking experience, MGA relieves the stresses of standing in front of large crowds through the attendance of approachable, kind teenagers. By far, one of the most remarkable qualities of students that attended MGA was their ability to work with others. Although this might not have been apparent initially, most likely due to stomach butterflies, students preformed exceptionally well with other members of MGA, consequently resulting in the passage of numerous bills of legislation. I implore anyone that is even possible interested in MGA to pursue a slot at next year’s convention because it will certainly become an experience that, unequivocally agreed by nearly every attendee, has proven to be a highlight of the school year. Although the members of this year’s MGA will soon separate back to their respective districts and schools, the memories shared between students will never be forgotten.
On Thursday afternoon, after hours of riding on a crowded school bus, hundreds of students from all across the Commonwealth of Virginia poured into the famous city, and capitol, of Richmond, VA. Shortly after arriving, advisors received room keys, consequently sending students to their respective floors and rooms. After a few hours of relaxing and the consumption of a quick meal, the students convened in St. Pauls Episcopal Church for the delivery of an introduction address from the Model General Assembly Officers as well as Governor Bob McDonnell. Reminiscing on the past experiences, I now realize the value of the opportunity to witness and listen to the Governor of Virginia, which was certainly one of the many highlights of my 2010’s MGA.
Following the MGA Officer’s closing statements, the first House and Senate committees assembled to report out and kill various bills. Surprisingly, the sessions began like middle-school dances, with little to no discussion on bills. When nerves finally settled, heated debate ensued showing the true character and personal interests of almost every member. In these debates, students did an excellent job arguing ideas rather than attacking the personal character of other members. After a few hours of work, the Senate and House reported out a number of bills for the House and Senate to debate as a whole the next morning.
Although the Marriott did not provide any sort of complimentary breakfast, students still found ways to quell their appetite either buying the incredibly expensive food from the small gift store or visiting Starbucks for the delicious muffins, pastries, and, most importantly, steamy coffee. After students adamantly fought for or against the bills reported out by committees, all attendees of MGA yearned for a hearty meal. A small restaurant, unknown to many students, known as the Bank, provided an array of delicious restaurant foods in a comfortable environment, filled with classic rock and modern pop music. Following yet another session of heated committee meetings, students were certainly ready to eat at the Banquet, which provided first-class service and an array of well-prepared food, pleasing both the eyes and stomach of MGA students. After the meal, the banquet concluded following speeches for the primary election of MGA’s 2011 officers.
To the surprise of many adults and fellow students, MGA turned into a full blown high school party after the banquet. With loud music, strobe lights, and a small, humid room, the previously formal Senators, Delegates, and many other members of MGA quickly became a mass of dancing high school partygoers. The dance lasted for about three hours, which included a small dance off, crowd surfing, and even a short rave as Darude’s prominent hit single “Sandstorm” inspired all students to jump into the air. After hours of hot dancing, everyone returned to their rooms for a few hours of sleep before awakening for the final convention between House and Senate members to approve last minute bills.
After looking back on my experience at the 2010 Model General Assembly, I sincerely wish I could have attended MGA earlier in my high school career, and I covet the students who were able to attended consecutive MGA gatherings. This experience will surely be one of my most memorable of all my high school adventures. Although being a reporter has been an extraordinarily fun experience, I also wish I could have expressed my personal opinions and thoughts about various bills in front of my fellow students. Even if students have had very little public speaking experience, MGA relieves the stresses of standing in front of large crowds through the attendance of approachable, kind teenagers. By far, one of the most remarkable qualities of students that attended MGA was their ability to work with others. Although this might not have been apparent initially, most likely due to stomach butterflies, students preformed exceptionally well with other members of MGA, consequently resulting in the passage of numerous bills of legislation. I implore anyone that is even possible interested in MGA to pursue a slot at next year’s convention because it will certainly become an experience that, unequivocally agreed by nearly every attendee, has proven to be a highlight of the school year. Although the members of this year’s MGA will soon separate back to their respective districts and schools, the memories shared between students will never be forgotten.
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