Franklin High students tour Capitol
Published 3:22 pm Friday, March 28, 2025
- Students and chaperones from Franklin High School pose inside the Virginia General Assembly during their tour of the Capitol in Richmond on Feb. 6. The group also met local and regional representatives from the House of Delegates. (Photo submitted by Franklin City Public Schools)
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(A gallery of photos follows the story below. Photos submitted by Franklin City Public Schools.)
Thirty-six Franklin High School students from Franklin City Public Schools took the memorable opportunity to visit the Capitol in Richmond on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.
During the field trip to the Virginia House of Delegates, the Broncos participated in a question-and-answer session with Del. Nadarius E. Clark (Suffolk, D-84) and other representatives of Southside Virginia. They were: Del. Michael Feggans (Virginia Beach, D-97); Del. Michael J. Jones (Chesterfield, Richmond, D-77); Del. Candi Mundon King (Prince William & Stafford, D-23); and Del. Brianna Sewell (Prince William County, D-25).
Students also met Del. Don Scott (Portsmouth, D-88), the first African American Speaker of the House.
Del. King led the Bronco in a simulation activity of a bill being presented before the Governor, represented by Zariah Mitchell. The students were split up into the Purple Party, represented by Aidan Barza and Charlee Denson; and the Yellow Party, represented by Christopher Dodson and Shylonie Person. Each group presented arguments before the Governor on the topic of the statewide cell phone use policy.
Del. Clark encouraged the Broncos to get engaged and pre-register to vote, stating, “You have to be your biggest advocates. If you don’t speak, someone will speak for you. You have the power. Don’t let [anyone] dim your light.”
The students then toured the Capitol and were recognized by him during the Gallery Session.
The trip to the Capitol has been an annual one for Franklin High School students and was organized and led this year by Mr. James Boyce, Mr. Ellis Cofield III, Ms. Latreesha Herring, Dr. Wayne Manley, and Mrs. Mona Murphy. Mr. Boyce is a history teacher at FHS. Mr. Cofield is a Family & Community Engagement Specialist. Ms. Herring is the Gifted and Talented Education Specialist. Dr. Manley is a Math Curriculum Specialist. Mrs. Murphy is also a Family & Community Engagement Specialist.
“This was a phenomenal experience for our students who represented our school district well,” said Cofield.
Part of the Broncos’ tour of the Capitol included learning about Virginia’s history in this area.
Del. Nadarius E. Clark (Suffolk, D-84) welcomed Franklin High School students Hillary Moore, Travis Sweat, and Abby Felts.
From front to back at left are Shylonie Person, Christopher Dodson, Charlee Denson and Aidan Barza. They represented the Purple and Yellow parties to speak about the statewide cell phone use policy in schools before the Governor (portrayed by Zariah Mitchell (insert).
Broncos represented the Purple and Yellow parties to speak about the statewide cell phone use policy in schools before the Governor, portrayed by Zariah Mitchell, who is pictured.
Del. Michael Feggans (Virginia Beach, D-97)
From left are Del. Briana D. Sewell (Prince William County, D-25) and Del. Candi Mundon King (Prince William and Stafford, D-23)
