2006 Weston University Tallahassee Trip


	2009 Weston University Tallahassee Trip


	The Weston University Program was initiated by the City of Weston in 2002, as an eight month program for high school students which would provide participants with an opportunity to learn about state and local government; in particular, Weston's municipal government, through a combination of classroom and real-world experiences from the people who work there. The University Program concept was originated by Weston's City Manager, John R. Flint and developed by the City's Director of Communications, in cooperation with the administration of Weston's high school, Cypress Bay. Students are required to participate in a City Commission simulation, after having gained knowledge throughout the program, necessary to present and defend both sides of several agenda issues. Upon successful completion of the program, students are honored with a graduation and presented unique diplomas and a memory book at a City Commission meeting.


	In 2009, Presidents’ Fest, in conjunction with the City of Weston, again sponsored a trip to Tallahassee for each of the Weston University students. The trip provided each of the students with the opportunity to meet the Who’s Who of Florida politics. After an introduction to and photograph with Governor Crist and Attorney General McCullom, the students enjoyed meeting and discussing his many job functions with Secretary of Agriculture Charles Bronson, toured the Florida Supreme Court and did a mock appellate argument, sat in the members’ seats in the Florida Senate and conducted a mock Senate debate before voting, using the actual Senate voting machines located at each Senator’s desk, met and spoke with Senate leader Nan Rich and State Representative Franklin Sands. All in all, the day was a civics education that none of the students will soon forget. Presidents’ Fest In The Park has committed to sponsoring this trip annually.