The Sullivan Project
Michael Sullivan had an idea. The Huntington High School senior thought it would be great if his classmates in teacher Debbora Mellon's Advanced Placement Government course worked on developing their own congressional bills. The idea seemed like a good one so off the students went as small groups created proposals for new laws about issues they feel strongly about.
The groups worked hard to develop realistic and comprehensive bills, including an argument supporting the necessity of the proposal and exactly how the bill would be implemented if it was enacted and became law. Once finished, the class was allowed to question the teenage lawmakers.
"This has sparked amazing debates and discussions," said Ms. Mellon about the initiative. "Many groups may believe they have covered all the necessary components, but alas, the class is eager to point out the loopholes! This is a wonderful closure to the course as students are able to put their knowledge of the political process into action and experience firsthand the difficulty of making laws in a democracy."
Mr. Sullivan has an active mind. He is headed to the University at Albany in the fall. He plans to study in the school's highly regarded business program. The teenager is considering applying for Albany's 3+3 program, which would allow him to earn a BA degree and a law degree within a six year period.