A Lake Hamilton High School junior was among 44 students from across the state recently chosen to lend their voices to federal government policies as members of the first Congressional Youth Cabinet with U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark.
Tyler Dickson was among 44 juniors who met together in Little Rock for the first time on Sept. 22. He is the son of Kelly and Margaret Dickson.
The Youth Cabinet program is meant to expose students to the legislative process and opportunities for advocacy and civic engagement. The nonpartisan initiative allows students to gain firsthand experience of engaging in the democratic process.
"I am pleased to launch this program in Arkansas and bring together young leaders from all corners of the state," Boozman said. "I look forward to receiving their feedback on subjects that interest them and their peers and discussing the challenges facing our nation.
"We all have a responsibility to use our talents to improve our communities, and I am grateful that these students are interested in helping shape the future and advocate on issues important to them."
Information about the program was distributed to all Arkansas public school districts late in the 2016-17 school year. Lake Hamilton Superintendent Steve Anderson informed students of the opportunity.
Students submitted applications and essays to be accepted. Paola Holden, Lake Hamilton High School Spanish teacher, provided a letter of recommendation for Dickson.
Participants were chosen to represent all four congressional districts with an emphasis on community involvement and leadership. Dickson said he was notified of his acceptance in the summer.
"I really like politics," Dickson said. "I enjoy the debating and arguing about how to fix problems. I just have a passion for that."
The 4th Congressional District was the least-represented district. The eight students included four from Texarkana, as well as participants from Magazine, Mena and Sims.
The 44 juniors discussed current issues at their first meeting on Friday. Boozman spoke to the group via an internet video call.
"We discussed ideas on how to fix current problems that will be in the Senate this year or next year," Dickson said.
"Everyone was kind of nervous at first and then everyone came out of their shells and started talking," Dickson added. "We didn't really get as much as we wanted to done, but we have our groups now."
Each district selected a specific issue to tackle more in-depth. Students in the Fourth District chose the issue of internet sales tax.
"I enjoyed debating and hearing new ideas from people who are in the same position as me," Dickson said. "Also, we had his aids talking through everything with us."
Participants will attend several meetings throughout the school year. They will present their recommendations for Boozman at the final meeting in April.
"Potentially, we could affect real world legislation," Dickson said.
Local on 10/02/2017