Awesome day with 8th graders!

Today I had the great experience of teaching 4 separate 8th grade history classes about the process of becoming a delegate to the National Convention. I was very pleased to see the students informed and engaged about politics and I plan to keep my eye on several that appear destined to become future leaders of America.

In my presentation I tried to relate a historical and civic perspective on grassroots politics and political parties. It was also a presentation where I tried to weave my Biblical worldview and how that relates to God's call on my life in the area of politics. There were also lots of stories about our adventures in St. Paul and of course I gave my impressions of the presidential candidates.

The students were amused by the array of the political buttons and credentials that covered my jacket and they had fun trying on the elephant hat (see picture!) that I had with me. The campaign candy bars were a hit too and several removed the "Luanne Van Werven for National Delegate" sticker and plastered it on their shirts and foreheads. They also clamored for the McCain-Palin buttons that I had with me and I can only imagine the conversations in some households today when their children come home wearing a Republican campaign button.

There were 3 very sweet moments today that I will treasure for a long time. The first came at the beginning of the second class when the teacher asked Taryn Honcoop to introduce me to the class. I've known Taryn since she was born and her introduction was very generous and precious and absolutely made my day. The second fun moment was a student in the third class of the day who asked if I had the education of a lawyer in order to be a delegate. Wow! Now that's an ego booster! And finally, after the fourth and final class a dear sweetheart of a girl came up and asked me for my autograph. I tried to tell her I'm not a famous person but she was not deterred.

I am so pleased to tell you that if these students are the future of our country then we are in secure hands. Thanks to teacher and students for giving me an unforgettable experience!