May 2010

Congratulations to Kevin Ortiz, a sophomore at Cox Mill High School, who recently won a national essay contest sponsored by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA). This year's NSCDA essay topic was:  "Discuss a Major Supreme Court Decision You Believe to be Pivotal in our Nation's History." Essay winners receive full scholarships to attend the 2010 Congressional Seminar June 19-25 in Washington, D.C.

Presented by the Washington Workshop Foundation - a nonprofit educational organization located in Washington, D.C. - the Congressional Seminar engages qualified high school students in active legislative simulation during a week-long Model Congress.  Playing the roles of freshman representatives, speakers, lobbyists, and caucus leaders, participants work to draft, revise, and hopefully pass a bill through a vote of their seminar peers.

Additionally, seminar participants - who hail from 30 states and various social backgrounds - enjoy lectures, site visits, and personal interactions with Washington, D.C.-based policy makers, professionals, and Representatives.

The national Society of the Colonial Dames of America actively promotes national heritage through historic preservation, patriotic service, and educational projects.  Founded in 1891, the NSCDA is an association of 45 Corporate Societies with over 15,000 members.  The Society headquarters are located in Washington, D.C.  Programs and projects include the annual national essay contest.

Since 1967, the Washington Workshops Foundation has provided experience-based, educational travel programs to highly-motivated, academically-prepared, and inquisitive students from across the United States and around the world.  The majority of these programs have brought students to Washington, D.C. for a more comprehensive understanding of leadership, civic education, federal government, U.S. politics, and global affairs.

At our golf match yesterday, Garrett hit a hole-in-one. It was a 155 yard, Par 3 and he hit it with a 9-iron. This is a special accomplishment. There are many people that golf their entire lives and never get a hole-in-one.