Forward Rabun Youth Leadership Participants Visit the State Capitol
On Tuesday, February 13th, members of Forward Rabun’s Youth Leadership team joined a government class from Rabun County High School as they traveled to the Georgia State Capitol. During their visit, student participants spoke with local legislators as they observed day number twenty of the 2024 session of the Georgia General Assembly. The students sat in the House Gallery as they were graciously welcomed with a resolution offered by Representative Victor Anderson (GA-10).
Representative Stan Gunter (GA-08) joined Representative Anderson in extending this welcome from the well of the House during morning business. Senate Floor Leaders Bo Hatchett (SS-50) and Brian Strickland (SS-17) also greeted the group, as did former State Representative Terry Rogers. The group was accompanied on the trip by Justin Shook of Rabun County High School, Dr. Erika Farr of Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, Jimmy Franklin from Tallulah Falls School, and Rick Story of Forward Rabun.
While at the Capitol, the students had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with Representative Anderson and Senator Hatchett regarding their respective duties, leadership roles, and committee assignments. The group also enjoyed lunch and further conversation with Senator Strickland and former Representative Rogers, as they provided greater insight into the legislative process from both leadership and lobbying perspectives.
Forward Rabun’s Youth Leadership Program is currently in its second year, and student participants meet monthly in accordance with the school calendar. The current class has been meeting monthly since last September, and the program continues to enjoy great success through collaborative programming in partnership with Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, Tallulah Falls School and Rabun County High School. The participating student group is composed of representatives from each of these schools who were nominated by faculty members and teachers.
The program is designed to provide experiential learning in non-traditional classroom settings, as well as introduce students to potential career opportunities within the community. In addition to last week’s visit to the Capitol, program features include local government and law enforcement presentations, a showcase of local healthcare facilities, and a historical presentation on the origin of the hydroelectric power industry in Rabun County.
Forward Rabun graciously thanks the parents, faculty, and staff members of Rabun County High School, Rabun Gap Nacoochee School and Tallulah Falls School for allowing these students to participate. We celebrate the success of this program and look forward to its continuance in upcoming years.