April 3, 2013. Ninth graders from Grace Academy, a classical Christian school located in Boone, recently attended a four-day legislative leadership course in Raleigh called TeenPact. Offered in 39 states from Alaska to Texas to Maine, this comprehensive leadership school challenges students to grow both personally and spiritually.
While at the state capitol in Raleigh, nine Grace Academy students learned about the basics of state government, viewed the House and Senate chambers, explored the state judicial system, learned how a bill becomes a law, interviewed lobbyists and debated bills during a mock legislature.
This fast-paced leadership program, designed for ages 13 to 18 years of age, offers students the ultimate hands-on crash course in state government. TeenPact directs participants around the capitol, teaches them where to find bills and how to read them, guides through a parliamentary debate, offers them an opportunity to run for a mock office during the week, and introduces them to public officials, adding up to an incredible experience.
By spending four days at the capitol, TeenPact students gained a glimpse of what goes on beyond the marble steps as they observed the entire story from elected officials, lobbyists and capitol staff. While most groups only see the statues and paintings when they visit the capitol, TeenPact students build relationships with the people who actually influence public policy.
Prior to attending TeenPact students completed a comprehensive homework packet which included writing a proposed bill, analyzing constitutional amendments, completing a political vocabulary and fact sheet and much more. Even students who had no prior interest in government gained a biblical understanding of their responsibility as citizens to vote and pray effectively. A daily time of prayer and worship encouraged students to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives.
During the week, students enjoyed meeting and interacting with other young people and leaders from across North Carolina and the nation. This evangelical Christian discipleship program has a vision to change lives to change the world by training youth to understand the political process, value their liberty, defend their Christian faith and engage the culture at a time in their lives when, typically, they do not care about such things. TeenPact is part of Family Resource Network, Inc. which is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
For more information on Grace Academy, visit www.graceacademyboone.com. For more information on TeenPact visit www.teenpact.com.
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