Students pay visit to capitol

     By Sonya Padgett
     View staff writer
      Bishop Gorman High School student Parker Brooks learned about the relationship between sacrifice and freedom on a recent visit to Washington, D.C.
      While visiting the Vietnam Memorial for the first time, Brooks was struck with the realization that the veterans whose names were on the wall paid the ultimate price for their country.
      It was that realization which caused the 18-year-old senior to commit to casting his first vote in the upcoming presidential election.
      "I won't vote because of the issues," Brooks said. "I'll vote because I saw the Vietnam Wall and the Korean Memorial ... and I think the (veterans of those wars) would want me to vote. The worst feeling was to put your thumb to their names and realize they died and they only get 1 inch. I can't build another memorial but I can vote (on behalf of) them."
      Brooks -- along with three adults and 37 juniors and seniors from Bishop Gorman -- visited the nation's capitol as part of Close Up, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to introducing Americans to their government, said Bishop Gorman teacher John Goertemiller.
      The focus of the weeklong trip earlier this month was to take the students to Washington where they could meet politicians and staffers and see their government in action. The trip was open to any junior or senior who could afford the $1,300 for plane fare, hotel and meal costs.
      The trip served as more than just a learning opportunity for the students. For several students like Brooks, it added a deeper meaning to the lessons they've learned throughout their school careers.
      "A lot of changes occurred because of this week," Goertemiller said. "They learned the importance of being on top of the issues and knowing what they are."
      Greg Puliz, a 17-year-old junior who lives in the southwest, didn't know where he stood when it came to political issues. He knew voting was important, but didn't really know why.
      "Before I went there, I didn't know if I was a Democrat or a Republican or what," Puliz said. "Now I know, definitely Republican. I thought voting, yeah if you get the chance to do it, but not if something else come up. Now, I realize you have a voice and I want mine to be heard."
      During the seven days, students participated in several seminars where they discussed issues ranging from current events to global politics. Groups of students from around the country were in town for the program, and Close Up coordinators made sure everyone was exposed to a variety of viewpoints.
      "It gave us a real firsthand experience of what goes on in government," said junior Paula Maffey, a southwest-area resident. "It made us think about issues objectively. It was really interesting because we're coming of voting age. It gave us a better view of the issues."
      Southeast-area resident Brandon Boesch, a senior, got a taste of controversy when he participated in a mock school board trial of a boy who had worn a sexually explicit shirt to school. The mock board had to decide the fate of the student and whether the shirt was protected under the First Amendment.
      "The best part was meeting kids from different states and getting different points of view," said Boesch, 18.
      Two issues that popped up in every seminar were the hot topics of whether the Confederate flag should fly over the state capitol of South Carolina and Cuban refugee Elian Gonzalez. Both issues illustrated the program's topic of the week -- human rights.
      Also, on the eve of the New Hampshire primary, Brooks portrayed Republican presidential hopeful George W. Bush in a mock primary. And just like real life, Brooks lost to the student who portrayed Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
      In addition to the seminars, students visited the Library of Congress, the Holocaust Museum, the Smithsonian, Arlington Cemetery and several memorials. Nevada's delegation of senators --Harry Reid and Richard Bryan, both Democrats -- and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, also a Democrat, met with the students and had pictures taken.
      Overall, the visit made an impact on all 38 students.
      "This was the best trip I've ever been on," Puliz said. "The best by far."
      Goertemiller said the trip was a valuable learning experience for the students.
      "There was no doubt in my mind they would be voters," Goertemiller said. "This is just the beginning of their involvement in government. I'm exceptionally proud of all 38 kids."