The route from Hyde Park to Washington, D.C., has already been paved by former president Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Now he’ll have some company on the path.
Hyde Park resident Emma Hart was recently selected to attend the 2008 Congressional Student Leadership Conference (CSLC) on Law and Trial Advocacy, sponsored by Lead America. The CSLC conference is a 10-day leadership program in which students act as prosecutors or defense attorneys in a mock trial. In a hands-on learning environment, students learn how to analyze and present evidence, prepare witnesses for trial and make opening arguments and closing statements. The conference is held at American University in Washington, D.C. and includes lectures and discussions with prominent attorneys, judge and legal experts.
The CSLC is a college-accredited invitational leadership program for academically talented and promising young leaders from across the United States and internationally Students also participate in interactive leadership workshops and meet congressional leaders.
Hart, a senior at Our Lady of Lourdes High School, arrived in Washington, D.C. a few days ago and is adjusting to a rigorous schedule of lectures on law, leadership and critical thinking in preparation for mock trials. Hart said she’s looking forward to her mock trial at Supreme Court on June 5. “We’ll actually be doing directs and crosses,” said Hart. “It will be interesting to see what trials are really like.”
Hart is also anticipating a special tour of Capital Hill. “I’ve been to Washington, D.C., before, but never up close and personal,” she said.
Hart is a member of the National Honor Society, as well as captain of the varsity field hockey team, and also works as a camp counselor at the Hyde Park summer camp at Hackett Hill. Other participants at the conference are also high-achieving students, she said, that were recognized for academic excellence and community service.
Hart says she has begun her college search and is considering a major in law. Her favorite schools thus far, she says are Quinnipiac, Northeastern and American University. “I really like American University,” said Hart, because it’s located in Washington, D.C. and “is great for an internship.” She’s uncertain of her ideal career, but feels a law degree would give her a solid foundation. “I think a degree in law will help you with a lot of professions,” she said.
While Hart thinks her family may miss her over the next 10 days, she said the program is very worthwhile. “Of course they miss me,” she said, “but they think it’s a really good opportunity.” Hart added that she appreciates the chance to see the legal world up-close. “This conference is a great opportunity to see if I want to be a lawyer,” she said.