2024 HSLP: Day 12

High School Leaders Program Class of 2024
Day 12: Wednesday, July 24
Reported By: Lauren Hoehl, Hanover High School, Gio Sanchez-Garcia, Harrisonburg High School, and Maddie Mickey, Alexandria City High School

Today we took a field trip to Richmond. This morning, we woke up and had Panera catered for breakfast. We got on the bus around 7:45 and we arrived at the capitol and went to House Room 1 to see a few different speakers.

We first heard from Jacob Mitchell who is the Assistant Secretary of Transportation. He talked to us about the different departments the transportation secretary oversees, including the Port Authority, Department of Transportation, and Department of Motor Vehicles. He also talked about various projects expanding the Port of Virginia and construction on Interstates 81 and 64. 

Then, we had a surprise visit from Tess and Jacob, who were both former High School Leaders Program attendees then YPMs, and are now doing the Governor’s fellowship.

After that we heard from Meade Spotts II who is the operations coordinator for Partnership for Petersburg which provides many services to the City of Petersburg like small business loans and education assistance. We also learned about the recently announced initiative Accelerate Southwest which aims to expand Partnership for Petersburg services across southwest Virginia.

Our final speaker was Kate Slayton, the Executive Director of Virginia 21, which is an organization that provides a voice for college students when legislation is being made and leadership training for college students.

Afterwards, we took a tour of the State Capitol and learned about Thomas Jefferson’s influence on the architecture of the building. The tour took us into both the Old and New House of Delegates Chambers. The tour guide told us the story of The Mace of Virginia in the House of Delegates that was gifted to Virginia in the 1970s, and had previously represented a time when the colonies were ruled by Great Britain.

We ended our day at the Capitol with a tour of the Governor’s Mansion, which is the oldest continuously lived Governor's mansion in the country. The Youngkins live in the mansion part-time and their home has been attended by 3 generations of the same family since the 80’s. We had a really great time at Capitol Square!

After the tour of the Governor’s mansion, we took the bus back to Humphrey's house and relaxed until our Chipotle dinner at 6:30. Students worked on their policy projects in their groups and went to bed to prepare for all that tomorrow has to offer!