It’s been another busy week at Georgetown Summer School! The week started with two full days of Speakers Day programs. Students heard from Members of Congress, policy executives from Uber, the American Enterprise Institute, and the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, as well as student leaders from Zero Hour, an environmental movement founded by two JSA Summer School alums. Several students also scheduled appointments to meet their state Senator or Representative. Our attendees from the Virgin Islands also got a special treat when Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett visited and spent some additional time meeting with these students.
On the visit to Capitol Hill, students had an opportunity to visit the House floor, courtesy of JSA Alum Mark Takano, and sat in the seats of congressional leaders while hearing from Members of Congress. Participants are still remarking on this unique opportunity and will carry fond memories of whose seat they were in that morning. Ariana Kretz of Burbank, CA, sat in the House Majority Leader’s seat, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Additionally, JSA Alums Rep. Takano and Alex Evans, chief of staff to Eric Swalwell, also shared their own personal JSA story recalling they were roommates during JSA Summer School.
The second part of the week continued with a normal class schedule, a set of fun and rigorous debate resolutions, and ended with a 90s themed dance and a showing of The Bee Movie. On their second day off, several students continued to explore Washington, D.C. Students took part in a variety of activities- eating at local restaurants, taking pictures at the National Mall, and even a Karaoke sing-off.
Here from three attendees what they are enjoying about JSA Summer School at Georgetown.
In the final week, students made trips to the Saudi Arabia Embassy and Mexican Cultural Center where they learned about the cultural richness of these two countries and the diplomatic relationship with the United States. Participants also visited the White House and heard from several administration officials. Speakers included Brooke Rollins, Assistant of Intergovernmental and Technology Initiatives; Steve Munisteri, Deputy Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy Director of Office of Public Liaison; Brian Jack, Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Political Affairs; Zoe Jackman, Director of Student Leadership Initiatives and Volunteer Engagement, and Andrew Giuliani, Associate Director of the Office of Public Liaison.
Students will have their final exams on Wednesday and with term papers due on Friday. Heading into graduation weekend, attendees will get to enjoy a program-wide talent show, a trip to Arlington National Cemetery as well as several monuments.
Sarah K.
