2025 HSLP: Day 6
High School Leaders Program Class of 2025
Day 6: Thursday, July 18th
Reported By: Kian Francois (Washington-Liberty High School, Arlington VA) and Alice Shin (Battlefield High School, Haymarket VA)
Today at Sorensen, we had somewhat of a late start to the day because we had no guest speaker this morning. We went to breakfast at Observatory Hill, and then began class at 10:00 AM. We began with an exercise in effective communication to prepare us for the focus groups we would have later on in the day. The exercise involved practicing active listening, speaking, and observing skills with each other. After that, we headed to an early lunch at 11:00 AM, before returning for our focus groups. The aim of the focus groups was to refine the policy project proposal with ideas from those who were not in our group. All of the policy groups were able to make noticeable improvements to their project based on the criticism they received.
After policy groups, we received a lecture and lesson from Mrs.Heubeck! We did some group discussions regarding the “Rule of Law” and its system while answering questions. Then we did an activity with our groups and did a team building activity by building towers with index cards and glue sticks. Our goal was to build the highest tower with the best support, and the challenge did not only include building the towers but also the fact that each group had their own specific rule they must follow while participating. For example, “No actions can be made until the whole group agrees” or “No rule, just build”. These rules served to show us certain values such as communication and active listening. After that, we received a lecture of the history of the Byrd Machine and its effects on Virginia and Federal laws and policies.
Lastly, we had a great dinner and ended the day with a wonderful celebration of Nora Wild’s 18th birthday! We sang for her and enjoyed a yummy treat provided by Nora’s family. It was another insightful, productive day at the Sorensen High School Leaders Program 2025!