WASHINGTON  - Twenty high school juniors from Hillsborough, Osceola and Polk counties are back home after spending a week in the nation's capital as part U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam's Congressional Classroom program.  The students, each representing a high school in the 12th Congressional District got a behind the scenes peek at the federal government and the chance to meet a wide assortment of government leaders and dignitaries.

Kayla Goff, from  Polk County's International Baccalaureate school, said "Being involved in this program is a true honor in that it has given me the opportunity at a young age to meet with such influential people. This week has given me a new appreciation and knowledge for our nation's government."

Among the officials the students met were Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, Australian Ambassador Dennis Richardson, Secretary of Treasury Henry M. Paulson Jr., and Senators Mel Martinez and Bill Nelson. 

"The opportunity to learn about the issues and to get a feel for what goes on in Washington meant a lot to me when I was in high school, and I know it will have a tremendous positive impact on these young people," said Putnam.  "The people in our community who support Congressional Classroom are helping to inspire our future leaders."

In addition to meeting newsmakers and participating in a mock session of Congress, the leadership program started the week with a night tour of Capitol Hill, and included visits throughout the week to various monuments museums and historic sites, including the Library of Congress, the US Mint and a personal tour of the Capitol by Congressman Putnam.

Congressional Classroom is an educational/charitable program established by Putnam in 2001.  Each year every high school in the 12th District is invited to nominate students to the program.  An independent panel of community leaders evaluates the nominees on the basis of academic performance, community involvement and demonstrated interest in government.  For additional information about Congressional Classroom contact Cheryl Fulford at (863) 559-4832.

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PHOTO CUTLINE:
Congressional Classroom students pose in front of the US Capitol. Front Row
(Left  to Right):
Laura Newberry-McKeel Academy
Robby Hendricks-Frostproof High School
Kyle Champeau-Lakeland High School
Kayla Goff-International Baccalaureate
Tyler Rice-Lakeland Christian
Olivia Williams-Harrison Arts
Dimple Patel- Lake Region High School
Felicia Rowell-Fort Meade High School
Jaquelyn Wells- Ridge Community High School
Suzanne Shaske-Auburndale High School

Back Row (L to R):

Jonathan Salm-All Saints Academy
Shani Scott- Lake Gibson High School
Alicia Barrett- Plant City High School
Tasnia Osmani-Bartow High School
Emily Tonjes- Lake Wales High School
Roslyn Burkes-Haines City High School
Adam Kinloch-Kathleen High School
Heather Weaver- Summerlin Academy
Lindsey Short-Winter Haven High School
Nancy Davison-Bloomingdale High School

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