By JOAN JOSEPHSON
OBSERVER Staff Writer
CASSADAGA - Christopher Briggs, a junior at Cassadaga Valley Central School, joined 250 other students from across the country to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Joan Josephson
CVCS junior Christopher Briggs looks over material he received for participating in this year’s National Youth Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C.
CVCS teacher Karen Schraeder recommended Christopher for this experience.
"He is a hard worker, self-motivated and I believe, an outstanding candidate for this forum," she said.
Christopher said the forum's topics this year were law and CSI.
He got to portray a forensic scientist and a Supreme Court Justice.
During his five-day stay in Washington, he also had an opportunity to tour a law school, the U.S. Library of Congress, the Supreme Court and a number of the famous monuments.
Asked what impressed him the most, Christopher said it was learning how a lawyer prepares for a trial and the difference between civil and criminal law.
"What actually happens in real life is not like what happens on a TV show," he said.
He also said his trip to Washington sparked an interest in law.
"I'm looking toward becoming a corporate lawyer," he said.
He also appreciated having the opportunity to meet so many different students from across the country.
"We were encouraged to speak our minds and for the mock Supreme Court Trial, as Justices we decided in favor of the school district which punished a student for holding up a sign promoting a bong," Christopher said.
Summing up his experience, Christopher said he felt it was excellent.
"I got to see Washington in person for the first time, I met a number of really great people and I participated in meaningful discussions " he said.
