Aspiring leaders in CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organizations) programs, FFA, FBLA, HOSA, and EdRising, accompanied by sponsors Hannah Pohl and Whitney Schuenemeyer, attended Legislative Day at the Capitol building in Jefferson City on February 14. The students had the incredible opportunity to represent Wright City while engaging with Representative Jeff Myers. 

CTSOs enhance student learning through contextual instruction, leadership, personal development, applied learning, and real-world application. CTSOs help guide students in developing a study career and provide opportunities to gain the skills necessary in those professions through activities, programs, and competitive events. 

S. Obenauer, EdRising Vice President of Communication, describes her journey and experiences with her fellow officer team throughout visiting the Capitol. 

“I thought the people who worked in the Missouri Capitol building were just work work work, but they still function and have feelings like the rest of us,” Obenauer said. “It was Valentine’s Day, so everywhere I turned, there was somebody holding flowers.” 

Part of being a leader is showing up like a leader, which is what the Wright City EdRising chapter showcased while attending. 

“We were the only EdRising chapter that attended, so we know that the more we get ourselves out there, the more we can achieve,” Obenauer said. 

Charis Riggs, FBLA Parliamentarian, reflects on what she learned so that she could help better her future FBLA chapter and the students around her. 

“We should encourage students to take advantage of the opportunities that Wright City offers and encourage students and teachers to contact government officials to help better our education,” Riggs said. “I can use my knowledge in the future to share my voice and advocate for education and student rights.”