Two months ago in a civics class at Manatee School of the Arts, a couple of students of Dr. Steve Marshall’s civics class expressed the frustration of not being heard by our leaders. One particular student said that they have little control as to what happens when it comes to making laws or policy. She also said that when it comes to topics such as education, it makes sense that leaders spend time listening to the ideas of students. Dr. Marshall went home, emailed the governor and relayed the points the students made during their speeches. He requested to come to Tallahassee for a round table discussion about important topics. The governor accepted the invitation and 16 students and three faculty members drove up to the Capitol on Jan. 19.

The round table discussion took place in the Governor’s conference room. Along with Gov. Scott, Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, Sen. Mike Bennett, Rep. Jim Boyd, and other senior staff officials were present. Students and officials discussed various topics, such as education (funding, standardized testing, apprenticeship programs, college tuition, community involvement), economy (creating jobs, unions), and philosophy of government (what is the best way to govern people in a state?). The one-hour discussion went by quickly and the students were just getting started. The students enjoyed the experience and said they came away with a new sense of involvement and understanding of government. They quickly realized that they didn’t drive all that way for a photo, but instead for meaningful discussion of important issues.

-- Submitted by Dr. Steve Marshall