Plainview Seniors Attend Colorado Close Up
March 21, 2003
On March 2, 2003, the senior class, along with Thomas Pape, headed to Denver to participate in the annual Colorado Close-Up program. This is a three-day program about the state’s government. They arrived in Denver at twelve o’clock. They then did a few get-acquainted activities with the other schools. Some of these activities included the "Hot Issues" debates. Here the students split up into groups and talked about two of the main issues that are going on in the state right now. Then the seniors checked into their motel rooms and changed clothes for supper. After eating supper, they went to the Denver Performing Arts Center and watched a play called Saturday Night Fever. It was a really good play, and the seniors enjoyed it.
Monday they got up and ate breakfast. Then they walked to the Judicial Building, where they listened in on a Supreme Court case. After that they walked to the Capitol Building and toured it for awhile. While in the Capitol, they got to meet some of the state representatives and senators. They also got to sit in the House Gallery and listen to some of the bills that are being discussed. After that they ate lunch and then went to the old Supreme Court chambers. Then they discussed "Hot Issues" topics with Representative Steve Johnson. After everybody did their "Hot Issues," they listened to Kelly Campbell, a lobbyist. Next they had to do an exercise with their groups about auto insurance. Once they finished with that, they walked to the City-County Building. They got to sit in on a trial for a little bit. Finally, they got to go back to the motel and relaxed for a few hours. Then at six thirty they attended a banquet, where Representative Shawn Mitchell was the keynote speaker. The banquet was very nice, and Mr. Mitchell did a great job entertaining the people.
On Tuesday the seniors got up, and ate breakfast with their representative and senators. After breakfast they walked to the Capitol again. When they arrived, they went to the old Supreme Court building, where District Attorney Michael Goodbee talked to them about the role of the Executive Branch. After that the seniors toured the Capitol again. They then had debates about the "In God We Trust" issue, school uniforms, and adoption by same-sex couples. These debates were fun, and several became heated arguments. After the debates, the seniors headed back to the motel and then headed home.
All in all, the seniors had a great time in Denver and even learned a significant amount about the workings of the government. They also became familiar with the bills and issues currently being discussed.