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Seffner student experiences government first-hand

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By COREY DeHATE

Special to the News & Tribune

Published: May 6, 2009

I'm a junior at Seffner Christian Academy and was one of 24 students from the 12th Congressional District who traveled to Washington, D.C., to experience first-hand the workings of national government for a week in April through a program called the Congressional Classroom.

The all-expense-paid program, under the aegis of U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, was sponsored by various local supporters, including State Farm Insurance, Progress Energy and Publix Super Markets.

Students at Seffner Christian Academy were encouraged to apply for the program by their administrator, Roger Duncan II, their high school principal, David R. Head, and their history teachers, Greg Fawbush and Luisa Price.

Participants had to qualify for selection by answering government and current-event questions in a quiz format and by passing an interview process with local business and civic leaders.

The Congressional Classroom consists of meetings with various influential political leaders, such as U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, State Department officials and ambassadors of the nations of Australia, Japan and St. Vincent in the Grenadines.

The most inspiring part of my experience was hearing one of our dinner speakers, Mohammed Odeh Al-Rahaieff, the brave Iraqi lawyer, tell his story. At great risk to his own life, Al-Rahaieff led U.S. troops in rescuing Army Pvt. Jessica Lynch from terrorists.

After graduating from Seffner Christian Academy next year, I plan to attend Oxford University or Cambridge University in England to major in international business relations.

My experience at Congressional Classroom has caused me to want, more than ever, to devote my life to service for our country in a global community.

I'm grateful to Congressman Putnam and the sponsors and supporters for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Corey DeHate is the son of Wade and Robin DeHate.

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