High school Democrats hold kick-off event

The Montgomery County High School Democrats (MCHSD) held a kick-off event last Saturday in Rockville to discuss upcoming plans and issues for next year.

Representatives Chris Van Hollen of Maryland's eighth district and Al Wynn of the fourth district attended, in addition to about 25 students from assorted high schools and several adults from the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC). Both Congressmen made a brief speech and answered questions from the students.

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Photo: Junior Lindsay Brewer leads a discussion with the Young Democrats about what issues to focus on for this year.

Junior Lindsay Brewer leads a discussion with the Young Democrats about what issues to focus on for this year. Photo courtesy of Kiera Zitelman.

Blair junior Lindsay Brewer and Richard Montgomery senior Eric Knudson are the student members of the MCDCC. They planned the event and held a discussion with students after the Congressmen spoke. In the discussion, they outlined issues and upcoming events that Young Democrats clubs around the county will focus on, including the environment, healthcare and the 2008 presidential election.

Knudson had good feelings about the kick-off, even in its first year. "We have a positive attitude," he said. "We're going to get students involved…It's hard to get students out to participate, but there are ways to do it."

Wynn is looking forward to the 2008 election. "Passions will run high, I assure you, as we get closer to the election," he addressed the students. "People take their politics seriously. I think we've got a great field of candidates."

Both Wynn and Van Hollen emphasized the importance of lowering tuition costs. "The college cost issue is a major national challenge," said Van Hollen.

Van Hollen focused on the broader goals of the Democratic party. "The Democratic party has always stood for opportunities," he said. "We stand for fairness and inclusion. What brings us together is our belief in giving everyone a fair share."

Blair junior Caleb Seavey was pleased with the speeches. "Chris Van Hollen did a really good job talking about how to get motivated," he said. "There's an untapped potential of the youth vote."

Knudson agreed, saying, "Our goal is to show we have support. It's to prove to adults that we can do stuff."

MCDCC District 39 Representative Sandra Raymond believes that the Young Democrats club members can – and must – make a difference. "High school Dems are mature and knowledgeable. They see into the future and know what needs to be done," she said. "It's important for young adults to know what's going on in the world. They're the ones who are going to be answering [the questions] in the future."

Quince Orchard senior Tiffany Ho does her part as an intern for Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. She encourages other students interested in politics to intern. "Sometimes you have to do office work, but the networking opportunities you get are so valuable."

Upcoming MCHSD events include a pre-primary brunch on Feb. 10, the primaries on Feb. 12 and a spring ball on May 3.

Editor's Note: Lindsay Brewer is a page editor for Silver Chips Print.