GCSA participates in Legislative Breakfast
Students hear state dignitaries, meet Gov. Perdue

GCSA President Glenn Kelly, right, of Jenkins County High School is greeted by Gov. Sonny Perdue during a recent Career and Technical Student Organization Legislative Breakfast. (Photo contributed)

On Wednesday, Feb. 13, 40 Georgia Career Student Association (GCSA) members from across the state came to the CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization) Legislative Breakfast to represent our organization. The breakfast is an annual event held at the Georgia Freight Depot and hosted by the nine CTSO Organizations and GACTE. The focus of the breakfast is to showcase our CTSO student leadership while informing our legislators of the continued need of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education as well as the CTSOs which are such an integral part of each program area.

The attendees had the opportunity to hear from dignitaries such as Wanda Barr, State School Board Chair, Glenn Richardson, Speaker of the House and Cathy Cox, State School Superintendent. All speakers shared their belief in the importance of CTAE and the students in which it serves. Speaker of the House, Glenn Richardson, spoke about the drop-out rate in Georgia and the need to make sure that every student in Georgia receives a high school diploma. Ms. Cox spoke on the importance of receiving a high school diploma and closed with a poignant message, "The hassle is worth the tassel", a message that every Georgia high school student should take to heart.

From left, CSA member Hillary Hudson, Gov. Sonny Perdue and CSA member Victoria Langston are shown during the Legislative Breakfast.

Glenn Kelly of Jenkins County High School (JCHS), Georgia Career Student Association state president, led the audience in the pledge of allegiance. The CTSO State Officers facilitated the meeting by introducing all dignitaries and sharing their own personal stories about how CTAE and the CTSOs have enriched their lives and educational experience. Along with the facilitation of the breakfast, the state officers did a great deal of work prior to the breakfast to ensure that their legislators would be in attendance. All attendees had the opportunity to meet and have breakfast with their legislators.

After the breakfast, all members headed to the Capitol for touring and a picture with Governor, Sonny Perdue. Attending this event was: Glenn Kelly, CSA State President; Hillary Hudson 2006- 2007 State Reporter; Victoria Langston , JCHS CSA President; and Annette Cobb, JCHS CSA Advisor.