The event was called Aspiring to Austin, because the students first had to complete several units on different aspects of state government in order to be eligible to go. Judging from their presentations and the insightful questions they asked it was definitely an academic success.

The fun began on March 14th when they rode in style in a coach bus while watching the film “The Great Debaters”. Once there, they had the privilege to meet with Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson, the first African American Chief Justice. He shared his story starting with the fact that his great great great grandfather was a slave without any rights, and ending with his honor at being chosen by the governor to be Chief Justice. The students asked Justice Wallace many perceptive questions, and then toured the Supreme Court. This was followed by an in-depth tour of the Capitol building and visitors center. They were awed to be in the house and senate chambers, and amazed to learn that lawmakers actually do make laws!