Congressional Hearings

Our county is one that puts on simulated Congressional Hearings for 5th graders. And it was such a great experience for Alec. He prepared a speech and studied the topic of "How Does the Constitution Protect Our Basic Rights?"

Volunteers came in to judge the students' speeches and then question them on what they spoke about. The judges were police officers, a Major from Civil Air Patrol, board of education members, and attorneys.

As I watched Alec up there, looking so grown up, answering questions like a professional politician, I almost started crying, but I knew Chris would have been embarrassed, so I controlled my emotions. The judges questioned them on Constitutional facts and I was amazed at how much these young students knew.

Very few schools do these hearings, so I'm very grateful we're in one that does. It was a chance to see how intelligent these children are and see the potential they have to be great leaders.

Of course the highlight was seeing Alec sitting up there all grown up, having adult conversations with these judges.

When it was over, we took him to lunch at Wendy's and were joined by Scarlett and her daughter Brenna who also participated in the hearings. After lunch we went back to the school for the closing ceremonies where the kids sang patriotic songs and watched a slide show of their Congressional Hearing day.