Capitol Forum

	Capitol Forum 2012

For a couple of weeks, the students in the U.S. History classes worked diligently in hopes of being picked for Capitol Forum. To attend Capitol Forum, Mr. Hall II picks seven students from either history classes who are best suited to answer the question: “What role should the United States play in the changing international environment?” Issues discussed throughout the weekend include global environmental issues, trade (economics), international nuclear proliferation, and immigration.

On the first day of their trip, the chosen students toured the state’s capitol as well as a couple of museums including the Lincoln Museum and Lincoln’s tomb. Later that night, the students from various schools held classroom discussions of current events and historical international issues. Each of the seven students picked from Newark High School met with others who had chosen their specific topic and studied it in depth.

	Capitol Forum 2012

The second day, all seven of the students were randomly split up into four groups addressing possible future scenarios that would benefit the United States. Each group was to present their thoughts and ideas in front of all the students assembled there in our state’s capitol where actual Illinois legislators debate.

These seven students, as well as both U.S. History classes, worked hard on all the projects and papers preparing for Capitol Forum. Capitol Forum is a momentous opportunity and the seven students picked were honored that they were chosen.

The Capitol Forum program runs on a statewide basis in participating states. The program takes place in the classroom and at the state capitol. The centerpiece of the program in each state takes place in the spring when 100 to 120 high school students from 25 schools come to their state capitol as class representatives for an all-day forum. They deliberate about the role they believe the nation should play in an increasingly complex international environment and join in an open forum to share their views with elected officials and policymakers.