Students debate to learn about professions
Students debate to learn about professions
MILLARD K. IVES | Staff Writer
millardives@dailycommercial.com
Quick!
You are suddenly surrounded by hundreds of zombies and you have time to pick up either a shotgun or an ax.
Which is the best weapon of choice?
This was one of the debate questions given to high school students to debate at a recent meeting of the Lake County's Law and Government Explorer Program, launched this fall to provide students with interest in such careers a better understanding of various professions.
Students act out the roles, sometimes in mock competitions, among the activities the program offer -- including lawyers, judges, law clerks, legislators and other government officials. Stephanie Glass, coordinator of the program, said such debate questions is a fun way to get students started in a serious career.
"This gives students a better opportunity to see how the courts and politics work, to see if it's something they are interested in," she said.
Glass said the program also has
students shadowing judicial and government officials and going on field trips, including to the state Capitol.
At a recent meeting at the Tavares Civic Center, in an effort to sharpen their public speaking skills, 20 students debated a number of subjects in front of judicial officials. One question: What was the best flavor: vanilla or chocolate?
"With vanilla ice cream, you are able to add a lot more toppings," said Sophia Husebo, a 12th grader at Circle Christian School, talking about why she feels vanilla is the best.
The program not only allows students to shadow various people in the judiciary and government, but it allows officials to speak to the participants. Earlier this month, Lake Circuit Judge Lawrence J. Semento spoke about his job.
He told students that judges weren't allowed to participate in social websitesbecause a public display of preference could spark accusations of bias if those people are called to court. Semento said there wasn't such an Explorer program for students when he was in high school.
"For a student interested in a judicial career, it really shows you how the court system works," Semento said.
State Sen. Alan Hays will be speaking at the program's January meeting.
Glass runs the Lake County Teen Court program for juveniles where mostly students serve in the roles of prosecutor, defense and jurors in trials of first-time teen offenders accused of minor crimes.
A worker in the judicial field serves as the judge.
Glass said the Explorer program expands the opportunities and activities which Teen Court offers. Explorer Samuel Reddick, a 9th grader at Mount Dora High, said he wants to be president of the United States someday.
"It a great program to get you started and learning about government," said Reddick, who argued during the debate that's he's not a lumberjack, in his choosing a shotgun over an ax to pick off zombies.
The program meets once a month.
Friday, January 04, 2013 - www.dailycommercial.com/4jan2012de