Chamber Intern Meets VA Governor

​by Iyuram Ghebrekristos - Arlington Chamber of Commerce

On May 12, 2016 Governor McAuliffe of Virginia visited one of Arlington's public high schools, Wakefield High School, where he signed three education bills into law. It was impressive watching the Governor arrive in his helicopter and land next to Wakefield. 

Phote courtesy of Wakefield High School Principal, Dr. Christian Willmore

​I even had the opportunity to shake the Governor's hand. After being introduced by Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Murphy, Governor McAuliffe explained that the traditional method of education hasn't changed much since the Industrial Revolution of the 19th Century. The purpose of the three bills was to redesign Virginia's public school system by changing the typical classroom environment currently in existence. The idea behind these bills is the realization that not all students want, need, or should go to college. By 2018, construction of career and technical education centers will be completed where high school students will have the opportunity to receive a technical certificate in high demand occupations such as cyber security or other STEM fields, or if they choose a college track will have the opportunity to take courses to prepare them for post-secondary education. Students will be exposed to all post-graduation opportunities whether they decide to enter the workforce after high school or attend a post-secondary institution. These opportunities such as career and technical education and dual enrollment courses are designed to prepare students to tackle whichever track they pursue after high school. Having a strong education system and a talented workforce makes the Commonwealth a more desireable place to do business and to live. Meeting the Governor was an opportunity of a lifetime, and a great supplement to the government class I'm currently taking.