Student attends leadership forum

Hannah Simmons. Photo by Elise Gourguechon

After attending a week long National Youth Leadership Forum on Law, senior Hannah Simmons is convinced she'll pursue a career in law after she graduates from Sisters High School next spring.

The forum took place in Washington, D.C. the week of November 12-17.

Simmons, along with other students from across the nation, attended the event.

Simmons was nominated as a candidate last spring by her teacher Michelle Herron.

After many of hours of communication throughout the summer Simmons was notified she had been selected. She immediately began the tedious process of fundraising and by fall had reached her goal of $1,200.

Simmons said the whole week "was really an eye-opener." She saw first hand what being a lawyer is really like.

"Several different lawyers shared with us throughout the week," said Simmons, "and told us what they had to go through to become a lawyer and what their lives have been like since.

"My group was able to visit the Arnold and Porter law firm and also the Georgetown Law School. Many of the law students shared some their experiences with us," Simmons said.

"They wanted us to realize it's not all like what we see portrayed on T.V."

Simmons had thoughts about one day becoming a child advocate or a prosecuting or district attorney but at the conclusion of the week had changed her mind.

"Now, I hope to go into the Air Force and become a Judge Advocate General (JAG) lawyer," she said.