21 students took a field trip to the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City on February 3, 2022. They attend North Sevier High School in Salina, Utah. The trip was coordinated by the Rho Kappa chapter but also included students from the school's college government and United States history classes. 

At the Capitol, my students and I toured the grounds and visited the Vietnam Memorial as well as the Fallen Officers Memorial. The students had the opportunity to sit in the House Gallery during the opening and were recognized from the floor by Representative Carl Albrecht. Students were then able to visit the Senate Gallery and watch the process of passing legislation in the Senate.  

After leaving the Gallery, the group went to the Utah Supreme Court Room and was able to meet with State Representative Albrecht and State Senator Derrin Owens. For almost an hour, students were able to ask questions and listen to how their representatives are supporting the rural areas of Utah.  

The day finished with a formal tour of the Capitol building including the Gold Room. Students had the rare chance to see all three branches of state government and how they interacted.

When asked, most students stated that they had never been to the Capitol and had never been there while the legislature was in session. Overall, it was a great learning experience for the students, and worth the long ride to and from Salt Lake.