A leader of tomorrow, today

SBHS junior gets hands-on political experience in Washington D.C.

By: Melissa Hayes
   While his classmates were in school, South Brunswick High School junior Michael Zwiren got a hands-on lesson in politics during a visit to Washington, D.C.
   Michael and 400 other students from across the country descended on Washington, D.C. from March 15 to 20 as part of the National Young Leaders Conference.
   The theme of the conference was "The Leaders of Tomorrow Meeting the Leaders of Today."
   Guidance counselor Lindy Mandy recommended Michael for the trip and said she had several reasons for doing so.
   "He’s very focused. He’s very clear about his priorities. He’s a hard worker and he’s particularly mature," she said. "He presents himself very well."
   While in Washington D.C., Michael heard several speakers and participated in numerous simulations. The congressional speaker for the conference was Republican Congressman Mark Foley of central Florida. U.S. Rep. Foley is the deputy majority whip and serves as co-chairman of the Missing and Exploited Children’s caucus and the Travel and Tourism caucus.
   Michael said his favorite speaker was Ross Szabo, director of youth outreach for the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign.
   "He left the best impression because he connected with the students more," Michael said.
   Michael said Mr. Szabo spoke from life experience, which made what he was saying more meaningful.
   During the six-day trip Michael participated in various leadership skill-building activities and simulations. The trip culminated with a model congress, in which students assume the roles of U.S. representatives and debate, amend and vote on mock legislation.
   Michael played the role of a Republican Party Liaison. It was his job to attend mock caucuses and Republican Party meetings to determine the party’s stance on certain issues. He would then report back to his assigned committee on how the party felt about the issue and how Republicans should vote.
   "We went to 10 caucuses. They had liaisons go to another Republican hearing and they would talk about each and every caucus. Then I would have to bring the information we got back to the party and discuss their views," he said.
   Michael was assigned to the House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.
   Of all the places he visited, Michael said he liked sitting in on Congress the best.
   "It was actually pretty interesting to see what those people do everyday," he said.
   Michael has been to Washington, D.C. before, but this was his first congressional experience. He said he doesn’t have an interest in pursuing a career in politics, but the trip was educational.