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Press Update!

We are currently working on the first paper of the day-- almost ready to print! Be sure to check it out.  In this issue, we covered things such as the dance, gubernatorial speeches, organic food, unusual bills, music and movie reviews, and fun polls!

Pictures from Governor's Banquet and Officer Auction

FRIDAY'S DANCE

REVIEW

Delegates seemed to enjoy the dance on Friday night after the Governor's Banquet.  Although most of them were on the dance floor, there were still some students at tables or in the hallway socializing with friends.  Andrew Gossett complied the music for the dance, but students requested songs as well.  Excitement is spreading for Saturday's night dance where the theme is "Black and White."

Governor's Banquet

Last night at the Governor’s banquet, the four Gubernatorial candidates gave their speeches. 

Caylyn Harvey, a junior at Brentwood Academy, spoke about her dedication to the conference and her plans to improve education and clean energy.  She has reiterated her ideas to voters throughout the weekend, giving them concrete examples of how she would take on the role as governor.  She also spoke about her qualifications.  She served as Chief of Staff to the Governor her sophomore year and is currently the Speaker of the Blue House.

Jimmie Williams Jr., a junior at Central High School, gave a seventeen-minute speech at the banquet.  His speech covered everything from domestic violence to the price of higher education and ended with the song “Rocky Top Tennessee.” 

Brett O’Connell, Ravenwood High School, gave a passionate speech about his dedication to the students and his dream of making a difference.

Jimmy Paul, Merrol Hyde Magnet School, gave a short speech outlining his dedication to the conference and willingness to give his all for the delegates.

Press Progress Update

Press is working on the third edition of the paper for today.  Our editor, Alexandra Watkins, has been working hard to meet her goal of printing six papers throughout the weekend!!

The video press is working on a voiceover for a song on tonight's broadcast.  Tune into channel 73 at the Sheraton.

A View from the Top

Some of our delegates took an adventure to the top of capitol hill today during lunch hour.  There are 189 steps on the way up.  Lindsey Cherry, a junior at Brentwood Academy said, "The long walk 189 steps was well worth seeing the amazing view of downtown Nashville.  The maintenance man let us look out of the roof which was way scarier than I expected."

An act to require drug tests to unemployment applicants

Caroline Leftwich and Elizabeth Lund
St. Cecilia Academy

Tennessee spends $381,000,000 on unemployment each year.  These delegates proposed a required drug test to all unemployment applicants.  The applicants would be given five days prior notice and would be strongly urged to participate in drug counseling programs if they test positive.  Additionally, they could apply for unemployment again six months after their failed test.  Several delegates questioned the funding for these rehabilitation programs, and they informed them the funding is already built in to the Medicaid funds.  Other skeptical delegates questioned whether the applicants could rid their system of drugs within the five days.  Ultimately, the bill was passed because of the estimated $791,000,000 the state would save.