Local teen attends 4-H Legislative Academy

Saturday, March 12, 2016
Scott County 4-H member Jamaica Smith, right, recently attended the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Legislative Academy. He job-shadowed Rep. Holly Rehder, left. Submitted photo

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Jamaica Smith of Sikeston attended the 12th annual University of Missouri Extension 4-H Legislative Academy Feb. 15-17 in Jefferson City.

Smith was one of 12 4-H members selected to represent Missouri 4-H at the Capitol. He shadowed Rep. Holly Rehder (R-148) in meetings, hearings and sessions during the three-day event.

Smith is the son of Stephanie Robinson and attends Sikeston High School School. He is a member of LU Extension 4-H of Scott County.

Delegates met with attorneys and judicial educators to learn about law-related careers and implications of court decisions during the opening luncheon. Missouri Supreme Court Justice Mary Rhodes Russell spoke to the group about the state's highest court after the group took a tour of the Supreme Court building.

Delegates learned about etiquette and the state budgeting process from MU governmental relations leaders at the Capitol. Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-18), legislative host of the 2016 academy, explained how bills move through the legislature to become law. Rep. Mike Kelley (R-126) took delegates on an evening tour of the Capitol building.

Delegates met with agricultural commodity group leaders and presented college and career plans at an evening banquet sponsored by MO-AG. They also networked with state agency leaders and visited the offices of Secretary of State Jason Kander, State Treasurer Clint Zweifel and Gov. Jay Nixon.

FCS Financial, Missouri Pork Association, Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Axiom Strategies, Missouri Automobile Dealers Association, Missouri Cattlemen's Association, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, Missouri Sheriffs Association, Missouri Trucking Association, Nelda S. Godfrey, and Polsinelli law firm sponsor the event.

Meal sponsors included Ameren Missouri, Missouri Agribusiness Association, and MO-AG's Jim Russell Foundation sponsor the event.