U.S. Rep. Dold visits Park Campus students

Aavik Patel, an eighth-grader at Park Campus in Round Lake, wanted to get an inside look at how government functions. He decided to volunteer in the local office of U.S. Rep. Robert J. Dold, 10th District, agreed to visit Aavik's school and speak to the student leadership group "Leader of the Pack."

During the visit Patel introduced Congressman Dold, a Republican, and explained his passion for being involved and helping others through government. He urged his classmates, seventh- and eighth-graders in the Leader of the Pack group, to become interested and involved in government. Following Patel's speech the congressman spoke about activism, leadership and the role government plays in people's lives. The students enjoyed an almost hourlong question and answer session with the congressman.

A highlight of the Q&A session was when Dold showed the students his U.S. House voting card. Students were interested in the voting process, and were surprised to learn how long the days are for Congress members. Other students were interested in both his experiences in Congress and his visits to the White House. Dold explained to the students what it means to be a leader and encouraged them to get involved in local government and to serve America's democracy.

"Investing in our education is an investment in our future leaders," said Dold after his visit.

The Park Campus Leader of the Pack group is a select leadership club that provides students with the opportunity to take a greater role in their school. This year the club consists of 33 students who are responsible and hard working in and out of the classroom, and who want to take a bigger role in their school. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their school, and in turn help to determine what events and activities take place at Park Campus.