County high school seniors have the floor

By Eric Stevick

Herald Writer

Lawmakers, be forewarned: high school seniors have a lot on their minds these days.

Seniors from several area high schools will share their thoughts with elected leaders during the seventh annual Washington State Student Forum at 5 p.m. Sunday at Cascade High School.

Typically, as many as 300 students and 30 local, state and national elected leaders attend.

The forum, organized by Cascade and Snohomish high school students, is notable for its format: students talk and lawmakers listen.

"They (lawmakers) aren’t advancing their cause by coming," said Mike Therrell, a history and government teacher at Cascade. "They are coming to learn from the kids."

On many students’ minds are the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, said Vas Angelos, a Snohomish High School senior, who hopes that those fears will be balanced by a message of accepting America’s diverse make-up.

Angelos said he is also concerned about the rising cost of energy in Washington state.

"I think we are going to see some wide-ranging questions," he said.

Robin Chaurasiya, a senior at Cascade High School, has attended the forum in the past and is eager for the chance to share her concerns.

"Tuition," she predicts, "will be big."

Gov. Gary Locke has proposed a major tuition increase across the state, including an 18 percent jump at the University of Washington and Washington State University, 15 percent hikes at other four-year public colleges and 12 percent at community colleges. Several student groups have said such tuition increases could put college out of reach for many students, particularly those from middle class families who don’t qualify for financial aid.

Under the format, seniors have 90 seconds to address any political local, state and national issue. However, under the forum rules, they are not allowed to condemn or endorse public officials or parties or advocate illegal activities.

You can call Herald Writer Eric Stevick at 425-339-3446 or send e-mail to stevick@heraldnet.com.

Who: High school seniors meet with elected local, state and national leaders

What: Seventh annual Washington State Student Forum

Where: Cascade High School, 801 E. Casino Road, Everett

When: 5 p.m. Sunday

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