Cassville FCCLA Member Selected to Participate in Legislative Shadowing Project
Coleman Hoppes, a senior at Cassvillle High School, was selected to participate in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Legislative Shadowing Project on Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Mrs. Ann Ellis local chapter adviser and accompanied the Coleman to the Capital City. Sponsored by the Missouri Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), the program provides an opportunity for junior and senior high school students to spend a day with their state representative, senator or other public official at the State Capitol. The students observe hearings, meetings and other public duties.
The Legislative Shadowing Project, now in its 18th year, is conducted by Missouri FCCLA, the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for family consumer sciences and human services education. A reception and opening session was held for participants on Tuesday, January 30. Tours of the State Capitol and Supreme Court Building also were provided.
The Legislative Shadowing Project allows students to connect their interests in law, public service, civic issues and the political process with their education. The event is designed to help students develop a better understanding of the political process and its impact on citizens.
FCCLA attempts to match students with officials from their local school districts wherever possible. The students prepare for the event by becoming familiar with their official’s responsibilities and current issues. If matched with a legislator, the student becomes knowledgeable about the bills introduced and committees on which the legislator serves.
Coleman was assigned to Representative Mike Kelley from District 127. During his shadowing experience, Coleman was introduced on the House floor, went up to the top of the state Capitol Building, set in on several meetings with constituents and lobbyists. Representative Kelley introduced Coleman to Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and presented Coleman with a Resolution.
FCCLA is a nonprofit student organization for young men and women, grades 6-12, in family consumer sciences education. Missouri FCCLA has more than 9,500 members in nearly 330 local chapters, making it the fifth-largest FCCLA state association in the nation. Our local Cassville FCCLA chapter has 141 members grades 6-12 and is sponsored by chapter advisors Mrs. Samantha Cosper and Mrs. Ann Ellis.