This year, for the first time, Chapman’s Mayor’s Youth Council is holding a field trip for its seniors. The council will travel to Washington, D.C., for three days.
Catherine Gramling, a Mayor’s Youth Council adviser, is optimistic about what the students will learn.
“We hope that the students will have a deeper understanding of government and a respect for the process and people who serve,” Gramling said.
She hopes the students will see how the government works on all levels, not just the local level.
“We see each month how the city government operates and learned more about the state government on our tour of the Statehouse and Governor’s Mansion last year,” Gramling said. “We want to expose the students to a variety of governments and allow them the opportunity to meet local, state and federal representatives.”
Students will meet South Carolina’s senators, Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, along with Rep. William Timmons of South Carolina’s 4th District.
Senior Arden Sinclair is excited to see other sights in the capital.
“I’m most looking forward to seeing the historical monuments and learning some interesting facts about the government,” Sinclair said.
Gramling said the trip is possible with the help of Cornelius Huff, mayor of Inman.
“The mayor and I were having a conversation about our students and opportunities for them,” Gramling said. “He had recently returned from a trip to Washington, D.C., and met with the Municipal Association representatives up there. He offered to help fund a trip for the students, and so we began planning.”
Molly Blackwell, another Mayor’s Youth Council adviser, is hopeful the trip will continue in future years.
“I would love to see this trip continue because many of these students have never been able to go to D.C. and see these historic buildings and monuments firsthand and learn about them,” Blackwell said. “I’m hoping this will continue for years to come.”
Sinclair said the trip could inspire other students to join the council.
“I think this will help inspire others to join Mayor’s Youth Council because it’ll give them a trip to look forward to,” Sinclair said.
