Week Eight: Congressman John Yarmuth comes to Atherton!

Today was a very exciting day at Atherton High School! 


http://www.wdrb.com/story/31413217/atherton-high-junior-wins-2016-congressional-art-award

For the last ten years Yarmuth's has held an annual Congressional Art Competition and today he made a surprise appearance at the year to honor those who participated in the competition as well as to announce the winner, an Atherton junior!  This is a huge honor and comes with a paid trip to D.C. and her art piece displayed in the tunnel between the Capitol building and the Congressional offices.  Above is this year's winner of the Congressional Art Competition.   

This is a group picture of all those honored in the competition.

I am personally a large fan of  Congressman Yarmuth's and feel he has done a great many things for our State and city. 

http://yarmuth.house.gov/

During today's assemble Congressman Yarmuth spoke of the need for high school students who are old enough to vote in this November's election to register and exercise their right to vote.  He spoke of the need to voice what matters to each student to their representatives to make change happen.  I hope that students listened and took his advice seriously.  It was very empowering to hear that in today's voting tendencies most elected officials are not voted in by the majority of registered voters but in fact very small percentages have turned out for voting.  I feel very strongly that boundaries should be eliminated to promote citizens to vote. 

Congressman Yarmuth recited a tale he hears often from individuals, that they do not see the value in voting or take an interest in politics or the government.  He talked specifically about a trip to speak with medical students who didn't see the connections between government and medical practice.  Why we may not always see direct impacts on a daily basis, government and politics does change out daily lives.  Getting out and voting no matter which way you lean is an important duty of every citizen.  During the assemble some boo'ed when Republican or Democrat was mentioned but I think it's important to respect all viewpoint and encourage debate and collaboration.   

CEBS Dispositions:

Values diversity - Willingly works with others from different ability, race, gender, or ethnic groups. Welcomes feedback and interaction with others. Listens carefully to others and respects the views of those perceived as different from self.

EPSB Code of Ethics:

Values professionalism: Commitment to self reflection and growth. Recognizes personal limitations and strengths and uses them to best professional advantage. Actively seeks suggestions and constructive criticism. Regularly practices critical thinking. Regularly engages in learning through self-reflection.