MEEKER | In late February, Meeker High School’s student council officers took a trip to Denver. On Sunday, we were all able to go see the Broadway Musical Water for Elephants. The story centered around Jacob Jankowski, a veterinary student who joins a traveling circus following the death of his parents. The musical showed themes of starting over and the resilience of the human spirit.
On Monday, we visited the State Capitol. While there, we were introduced on the House floor and watched as representatives deliberated over the passing of various bills. Our Rio Blanco County representative, Representative Lukens, had three of her bills pass while we were there. Afterwards, our student council officers were given the opportunity to speak to Representative Lukens. We asked her various questions about her journey in politics as well as some questions we had on bills being proposed. After this, we were lucky enough to sit in on the Senate floor, where Rio Blanco County’s Senator Roberts was serving as the Senate Chair. Although he was very busy, Senator Roberts made time to come by and speak with us for a few minutes. We then took a brief recess to eat lunch, and upon coming back, went and sat in on the House Agriculture Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee. We watched the deliberation of Senate Bill 26-070, which would restrict law enforcement’s use of automatic license plate readers. Various people came in to testify in favor or against the passage of this bill. In the end, the bill was passed with a 5-2 vote.
On Tuesday, we visited the Lindsay-Flannigan Courthouse. After a little while of searching, we found the case of People v. Dawson. This case follows the murder of Terri Turachak, a cold case from 1996. Mr. Dawson has been linked to other sexual assault and murder cases in Florida, Washington, and California. The trial is still ongoing with no verdict reached.
On behalf of the student council officers, we are all so grateful for the opportunity to visit our State Capitol. Over our trip, we learned so much about the government and how it operates. We would like to specially thank our community. This would not have been possible without the support of the community through things such as our dessert auction. Thank you all for your support and all you do for us!
By OLIVIA GRIFFITHS
MHS Student Council Secretary
Members of the MHS Student Council visited Denver this month, including a visit to the Capitol. (Left to right) Students Olivia Griffiths, Kailynn Watson, Hayden Garcia, Representative Meghan Lukens, Rylee Sullivan, Braydin Raley, teacher Naomi Etchart, teacher John Strate, and student Said Rodriguez.