Forward Rabun Youth Leadership visits State Capitol

Members of Forward Rabun’s Youth Leadership team traveled to the Georgia State Capitol to visit with local legislators and observe day number 10 of the 2023 session of the Georgia General Assembly on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

These student participants visited both the House and Senate chambers as they were warmly greeted and personally recognized from the well of the House during morning business.

The group also spent time with Rep. Victor Anderson (GA-10) and Sen. Bo Hatchett (SS-50) before heading to the Governor’s office for a personal audience with Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp.

The group was accompanied on the trip by Jessica Ward of Rabun County High School, Jimmy Franklin from Tallulah Falls School, and Rick Story of Forward Rabun.

While at the Capitol, the students had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with Anderson and Hatchett regarding their respective duties, leadership roles, and committee assignments.The group also enjoyed lunch and further conversation with representatives

Lauren McDonald (GA-26) and Kenneth Vance (GA-133), an alumnus of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School.

The lunch meeting was arranged by Hatchett and gave participants the opportunity to gain greater insight into the day-to-day workings of the legislative process.

The day concluded as the group made its way to the office of Kemp for a photo and brief meeting before heading back to Rabun County.

Forward Rabun’s Youth Leadership Team has been meeting monthly since September.

The program was launched earlier this year through a collaborative partnership between Forward Rabun, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, Tallulah Falls School, and Rabun County High School. The participating student group is composed of representatives from each of these schools who were nominated by faculty members and teachers.

The program is designed to provide experiential learning in non-traditional classroom settings, as well as introduce students to potential career opportunities within the community.

In addition to last week’s visit to the Capitol, program features include local government and law enforcement presentations; a showcase of local healthcare facilities; and a historical presentation on the origin of the hydroelectric power industry in Rabun County.

Forward Rabun thanks the parents, faculty, and staff members of Rabun County High School, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School and Tallulah Falls School for allowing these students to participate.

“We celebrate the success of this program and look forward to its continuance in upcoming years,” Forward Rabun said in a prepared statement.

Rick Story is the president of Forward Rabun/Rabun County Chamber of Commerce and Director of Development for Rabun County.