Lake Highlands was well represented as students recently traveled to Washington, DC to participate in Congressman Pete Sessions Leadership and Growth Program.

Participants in the first June session included Ryan Abbey, Luke Coughlin, Kyle Forbes, Kristen Gavigan, David Green, Roman Milan, Sarah Phillips, Jessica Ritter, Travis Sowards, Ben Wolf, Peter Madrala and Drew Mills.

The second June session included Trent Briscoe, Rhett Bruck, Ryan Mellinger, and Emily and John Westerheide.

"We learned a lot and got to see parts of DC that the general public doesn't usually have a chance to see," said LHHS senior, David Green.

"The Capitol dome tour was especially cool. We were so high up in the dome, we could have literally touched the painting at the top."

"We learned a lot in the program, but I really valued meeting the other kids who traveled to DC for the program," Green said.

"It was a great opportunity to meet new friends and network with them."

Congressman Sessions, who represents the 32nd Congressional District, directs the Leadership and Growth Program in Washington, DC every summer during the months of June and July.

Students at the high school level participate and are given the unique opportunity for a comprehensive experience of our nation’s capital.

"My summer program is about engaging young minds for readiness to consider, challenge, and thoughtfully articulate the public policy debates facing our government as they develop their leadership skills for service in the future," said Congressman Sessions.

"Students have an opportunity to see Washington firsthand by observing House Committee hearings, attending program forums with government officials and Washington leaders, and touring different historical sites, memorials and monuments around the city."

Events from the program session include educational tours of the Pentagon, the National Portrait Gallery, the Library of Congress, and the Newseum.

Students engaged in a wide range of activities, from visiting the Arlington National Cemetery and the Holocaust Museum to researching and discussing policy issues as students.

They were also able to interact with other leaders in Washington, including Congressman Lamar Smith, Congressman Kevin Brady, Congressman Joe Barton, and former FBI Director Judge William S. Sessions.

"I value the opportunity to welcome students from Lake Highlands each year and to discover the perspectives and aspirations of young citizens in my district," said Sessions.

"I'm always amazed by their brightness and discernment, and I was pleased to have these students participate in my program."

There are two sessions remaining in the program this summer, which means nine more LHHS students are set to make the trip to DC.

During July, Lake Highlands will be represented in the program by Celeste Allison, Lindsay Johnson, Kevin Kleppe, Elizabeth Meaders, Connor Neale, Spencer Page, Ashley Salyer, Luke Smith, and Timothy Tran.

Students who are interested in participating in the Pete Sessions Leadership and Growth Program may contact the Congressman’s Washington, DC office at 202.225.2231 or email Program Manager, Torrie Miller at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Special thanks to Ms. Miller for her assistance with this article.