More than 250 high school students gathered at Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls to discuss civic values with their representative in Congress.
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson’s Level Up Youth Conference offered a chance for students to learn skills like respectful political engagement. They also got to ask their congressman about issues they care about.
"The education system and the way we care for children as a society, from the familial to the community level, is a really big issue," said Elsa Bell, a student at Sioux Falls O'Gorman High School.
She said she's also concerned about the national debt and America's immigration policies.
Tea Area High School student Jaxson Johannesen asked for the congressman’s thoughts on censorship.
“I wanted to hear his thoughts on book banning, because it’s a topic that for me kind of seems almost wild — to ban books," Johannesen says. "I can’t find a reason to understand why we would ever ban any books. My favorite way to learn is to take both sides and find my middle ground — where I stand on that topic.”
Along with answering questions, Johnson talked about congressional internships and military service academies.
"Sometimes old guys like me make it sound like it’s all going to heck-in-a-handbasket — that the kids are terrible and it’s all going to be a disaster," Johnson said. "That has never been my experience when I’m talking to young people. They always care way more than we give them credit for. And frankly, they’re way smarter than we give them credit for."
"They need a little encouragement. These are saplings that are going to grow up into big strong trees, provided we can water them and give them a little bit of what they need to grow," Johnson added. "That’s what I’m trying to do.”
Monday's event was the second Level Up Youth Conference organized by Johnson’s office.
