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TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma - Ten of Sequoyah High School’s (SHS) best and brightest student leaders will be traveling to Washington D.C. over spring break to get an in-depth look at how the United States government works.

Students from across the country will gather in Washington D.C. to observe the government at work, visit with United States senators and representatives, participate in mock trials, create mock legislation, and debate national issues with other participants.

"I feel proud about going to Washington and representing the school", said Wesley Nofire, SHS student. "It’s kind of honorable."

"It’s a great privilege that Sequoyah chose me to visit Washington D.C. and to learn about history and current events", said Lisa Chouteau, SHS student.

In addition to the scheduled leadership activities, the students will also tour monuments, historical sites, and government buildings such as the Smithsonian, the Capitol, the White House, and various Memorials.

The students participating from Sequoyah High School are Bonita Carey, Candice Carey, Whitney Warrior, Ashley Wilson, Yanessa Charcoal, Lisa Chouteau, Joseph Byrd, Wesley Nofire, Edwin Rackliff, and Walter Buffalomeat. A committee selected the students based on their leadership qualities, student governmental participation, and character.

"I feel very lucky to be going to D.C. with these student leaders", said Tony Pivec, SHS superintendent. "It's going to be extremely fun to sit back, relax and watch these amazing young adults showcase their leadership qualities on a national level. There's no doubt they will make SHS very proud."

Pivec and Margaret James, speech and debate instructor, will accompany the students. They are scheduled to leave March 16th and return March 22nd.

Sequoyah High School "Home of the Indians!"             Sequoyah High School, an Indian boarding school, originated in 1871, when the Cherokee National Council passed an act setting up an orphan asylum to take care of many orphans that came out of the Civil War. Sequoyah High School's approximate 300 enrollment represents 42 tribes and 14 different states. Students are eligible to attend if they are members of federally recognized Indian tribes or one-fourth blood descendants of such members.