The San Diego Unified School District shared news Friday of two students that represented California at Boys Nation Day at the White House this summer.
Giovanni Moujaes of La Jolla High School and Nick Kelly of Patrick Henry High School not only traveled to Washington, D.C. to particpate in the program, where young leaders learn more about the structure and function of federal government, but they met President Barack Obama and shook his hand.
"Being able to speak with President Obama was the highlight of the program," Kelly told the San Diego Unified School District.
Kelly and Moujaes each served as a "senator" from California in the program, which is sponsored by the American Legion. The duo joined 96 other young "senators" to caucus at the beginning of the session, then organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills submitted by program delegates.
A reported 18 bills were signed into law and 10 were vetoed on the senate floor.
According to Boys Nation, the week of training for the participants also includes lectures, forums and visits to federal agencies, institutions, memorials and historical sites. Field trips include visits to Arlington National Cemetery, the National Mall, the Supreme Court, the Department of State, the Capitol and the White House.
