From Cheri Morrell, a JSRCC LEAD student, on her recent visit to the Virginia General Assembly during VCCS Community College Day.
Our adventure began with an early morning meet up at the JSRCC Downtown Campus. The JSR Lead (student leadership development team) representatives for this particular visit were: Zac Carroll, Ryan Harris, Kelly McIntosh, Angela Miller, Cheri Morrell, and Shane Roberts. Dr. Rhodes, Malcolm Holmes, Steve Vehorn, and Bess Littlefield were kind enough to brief us of the protocol and events of the day while we waited for our transportation. Next up was a quick ride over to the Library of Virginia for some history of the LVA, the Capital Building, an explanation of state government and the General Assembly itself - then we were off for our perilous journey across the street to the General Assembly Building. While there we were fortunate to meet privately with several delegates including Delores L. McQuinn, John A. Cox, John O’Bannon lll, Peter Farrell and senators Thomas Garrett, Jr. and Henry L. Marsh. Shane Roberts in the automotive field of studies was a big hit with Senator Garrett and Delegate Farrell as both requested tours of the JSRCC campuses with Dr. Rhodes! The icing on our cake was the opportunity to sit in the gallery during an actual General Assembly session where we were not only announced and asked to stand, but applauded by the House of Delegates! It really doesn’t get much better than that, folks. We then finished off our day with a lovely stroll back across the garden area and enjoyed a leisurely lunch; it was a fun-filled, educational day…J. Sargeant Reynolds style!
