Boulder Elementary School student Kael Hesford recently wrapped up three years as a Student Voices Ambassador, a part of his and his school’s participation in the 21st Century Program.
He and his mother Rochelle Hesford attended a national symposium in Washington, D.C. from July 16 to July 18, where Kael represented not only his school but the state of Montana. For part of the gathering he manned a display highlighting the service learning work he and his classmates have been doing.
“He was able to speak to adults and convey what the program was about,” Rochelle Hesford said. “A lot were interested.”
Kael was one of seven student ambassadors from six states who attended. According to his mother, their days began at 7 a.m. and were packed with activities. She said the symposium was a good opportunity for the U.S. Department of Education, which supports the 21st Century Program, to hear directly from the kids about how the program is working.
Being an ambassador, particularly manning a booth, has made Kael more comfortable talking to big crowds, he said.
“This whole thing has been a great experience,” Rochelle Hesford said. “It’s developed Kael as a leader.”
Despite the busy schedule, Kael and his mom were able to get away for a two-hour horseback tour of Gettysburg.
Typically, the next step for the student ambassadors would be to mentor the next group at the following summer’s symposium. However, Kael said his group has been slated to be the last.
He and his fellow ambassadors haven’t let that stop them from writing to the U.S. Department of Education and asking that it consider maintaining the program, Kael said. As of late last week they had not yet received a response, he said.
