CONCORD, NC – Representative Larry Kissell (NC-08) visited the students of Amy LaMarre’s Honors Civics class at Northwest Cabarrus High School in Concord today. Kissell was invited to speak to the class by Katie Williford, a sophomore from Kannapolis who had reached out to Kissell as the class began recent lessons on the details and procedures of lawmaking, including a mock Congress, with students crafting and voting on their own legislation.
Kissell spoke to the class about his day-to-day work in Congress, as well as their recent studies and interest in government. Kissell was joined for his discussion by Northwest High Principal Mike Jolley and fellow Social Studies instructor Jessica Sullivan and her students.
“It’s always good to be back in the classroom, especially with a group of young people that are so eager to learn the ways in which their local government works and how they can be a part of it,” said Kissell. “These students have a great interest in and understanding of the workings of our democracy. I was honored to join them for class today and I thank both Katie and Ms. LaMarre for inviting me and welcoming me into the classroom.”
The students asked Kissell about a range of issues, including the roles of committees in lawmaking, as well as what Kissell felt his proudest moments and greatest successes in Congress have been. Kissell discussed his legislative efforts to revitalize domestic manufacturing by promoting Made in America and working to protect our troops.
“Their questions and comments about government are an honest take on what our democracy is supposed to be,” added Kissell. “As a former Civics teacher, I’ve often joked that one day I’d go back and write a more accurate textbook on some of the more ‘interesting’ things I’ve encountered in Congress, from the blind partisanship to much of the unfortunate gridlock that so often holds our country back. The honesty these students added was refreshing, and strengthened my hope that many of my colleagues in Congress can move away from the do-nothing back-and-forth of politics and come together to get work done for the American people—the job they’re elected to do.”
Jolley thanked Kissell for visiting with the students, and told Kissell that as a former Civics teacher himself, he greatly enjoyed the discussion.
“Congressman Kissell’s visit was a great opportunity for our Civics students to sit down face-to-face with a member of Congress. I know I didn’t have that opportunity when I was in high school, and not many people do,” said Jolley. “I’m a former Civics teacher myself, and I know I enjoyed it as much as the kids did. His visit with us today was fantastic, and we really appreciate him taking the time to come see us.”
Kissell’s office has also organized the 8th District Congressional Youth Council, a group of young people throughout the district that are interested in hands-on experience in how local government works and ways that they can be involved and active in their community. Students that are interested can complete an application, found under the “Students” section of Kissell's website, at www.kissell.house.gov. For more information about the Youth Council, please contact Allison Auman at (704) 786-1612.
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Photo Attached: Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) speaks with Civics students at Northwest Cabarrus High School on Wednesday. Kissell was invited by Katie Williford, a sophomore in Amy LaMarre’s Honors Civics class, to speak with students about his work in Congress as they began learning of the details of how an idea becomes a law and makes its way through Congress.
