This week our Environmental Science class got to experience the power of their own voice.  January 13, 2010 was “National Call Your Senator Day,” our class of eight students set out to investigate environmental issues specific to North Carolina.  A few of the topics that interested students were: preserving feral horse herds in the Outer Banks, cleaning up Jordan Lake, implementing tax incentives for renewable energy use, and encouraging preservation of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Students composed their thoughts and submitted a request for a call through the 1sky website (www.1sky.org).

As a result of our inquiries, a number of students received calls from either Richard Burr, our Republican senator, or Kay Hagan, our Democratic senator.  A ninth grader, Charlie Holt received his call about fifteen seconds after making a request.  He was clearly a bit nervous since all of his classmates, as well as a crowd of students and faculty gathered in the library.  Charlie spoke with great poise as he presented his thoughts clearly to Senator Hagan herself.  He was very proud and felt empowered by his experience.  Ironically, before we began calling, Charlie was the least confident that this internet invitation was real. This experience highlights the opportunities here at The Elon School and, more importantly the necessary risk our students take to push themselves beyond even their own expectations.