CareerTech Student Leadership Day at the Capitol

Legislators will become educators as they meet with CareerTech student leaders from their legislative districts at the State Capitol at the Second Annual CareerTech Student Leadership Day at the Capitol.

On Wed. March 31 more than 120 CareerTech students selected as leaders at their technology centers and advisors representing from across the state will see first hand how leadership roles can make a difference, according to Kathleen Kennedy, coordinator of the event. Kennedy is the public relations coordinator from Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center, Choctaw

Technology centers participating in the event include Eastern Oklahoma County, Choctaw; Great Plains, Lawton; Canadian Valley, Chickasha; Mid Del, Midwest City; Wes Watkins, Wetumka; Tulsa Tech; Caddo Kiowa, Ft. Cobb and Francis Tuttle, Oklahoma City. "This will be a great opportunity for our leadership students to find out what their elected officials do on a daily basis,” Kennedy said. “It will help them understand how their government works and why they need to exercise their right to vote. We have a great day planned for the students.” Students will be invited to sit in the House or Senate Chambers and see first hand where their legislators sit and debate bills as they relate to their districts and the state of Oklahoma.

State Representative Thad Balkman, whose district includes NE Norman, engages his young constituents in discussion about the legislative process during the 2003 event.

They will also hear from Rep. Jari Askins and her thoughts on leadership as well as what it is like to work as a female legislator. Also, George Johnson, director of communications at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services will speak about leadership and taking ownership of your own life. Then, tour the Governor’s Mansion.

"This is an exciting time in Oklahoma government with a turnover in leadership,” Kennedy said. “It’s important that our students get to know their legislators and how their votes affect their lives.”

For more information about CareerTech leadership programs available throughout the state, please contact your local technology center, or visit the CareerTech website at www.okcareertech.org.