Shelly Franklin: Dayton Schools
Dayton High Students Meet Governor Gregoire
Washington Governor Christine Gregoire was honored with a reception at Dayton High School on October 12. She is only the third Governor to ever visit Columbia County. The reception followed a question answer session with Juniors, Seniors, and the Youth and Government student organization. The Governor met with students to discuss issues that they had identified as important. Students in Mary Pryor's Current World Problems class have been discussing issues and how Washington's State government deals with them, as part of their study of government and current events. The questions students asked ranged from health care for the state's low income children to immigration policy and alternative energy sources. Student questions were thoughtful and it was obvious that Governor Gregoire enjoyed the time she was able to spend talking with the kids.
Students greeted the Governor with polite applause and respectfully stood as she entered the auditorium. Some sat in the red and gold auditorium seats, while others sat in chairs placed in a semi circle informally on the floor. Governor Gregoire chose to stand down on the floor with the students and move among them as she addressed their questions. Students politely took turns asking questions and listened to her responses. As the Governor left the auditorium, she put her arm around my shoulder and said, "These kids are fantastic; I have really enjoyed them today." That was the best part of the day for me. Our Dayton students represented themselves and our community very well. The students got to meet, greet and speak with the Governor, and the Governor left our community with a lasting positive impression of the young people she met.
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