Cassidy Comes to Central

By Central High Gifted Students

Central High School Gifted and Talented Students hosted a breakfast for Congressman Bill Cassidy Thursday, February 24th.  Students were interested in hearing his opinions and concerns about national policies and worldwide events as well as his view on the importance of the gifted and talented programs. 

Representative Cassidy was welcomed by students identified as being above average in intellectual, musical, theatrical, or artistic ability.  This school year Central Community Schools has been working to increase services for these gifted and talented students and to provide them with unique educational opportunities, such as the chance to speak with Representative Cassidy.  Cassidy began the question and answer session by identifying students as the future leaders of the community then opened it up for students to voice questions or concerns.  Students asked questions ranging from personal interest to ideas on reform.  When asked about budget cuts to Louisiana’s higher education system Cassidy answered that you can’t spend what you don’t have.  Emma Way, a tenth grade Gifted and Talented Theatre student, thought this was a logical answer to a controversial question.  Another Talented Theatre student, Landon Smith, asked Representative Cassidy about his thoughts on the value of The Arts.  While Cassidy does not personally participate in art programs, his children are active in a variety of arts classes in school.  He said that they are extremely important in developing well-rounded citizens for the future of our state.

After meeting with gifted and talented students in a small group, Cassidy spoke with the whole student population.  Again, he reinforced the idea that students are our future leaders, and urged students to take advantage of their education.  He said that students will go as far as they want to, but that their education will be the vehicle that takes them there. 

When asked for questions, the students of Central High did not disappoint.  The local hot topic, even among the youth in our area, is Health Care Reform.  When asked about his views on President Obama’s Health Care Plan, Cassidy had to shorten his response greatly stating that it would take hours to cover his thoughts and his ideas for reform.  As a former doctor, Representative Cassidy has a lot of ideas for health care, but his ultimate goal is to provide quality care that is affordable; a goal that everyone can agree is difficult to reach, but important.  The students of Central demonstrated great respect and awareness of current events while speaking with Representative Cassidy.  Cassidy closed by mentioning how much the people of Central City support each other and the community as a whole, making it a wonderful place to live.  After Cassidy’s visit to Central High School, Reagan Frioux and Claire Holmes (ninth grade gifted students) both felt that he has a genuine concern about the community and state and that he has good ideas for the future of Louisiana.

Representative Cassidy was a particularly special guest because he has children in the Gifted Program in East Baton Rouge Parish Schools and actively supports legislation for Gifted and Talented Programs.  Michelle Coleman, an eleventh grade gifted student, was impressed with his knowledge of and attitude towards the gifted program.  Central Community Schools is looking to better serve its gifted and talented population by providing more opportunities for students to be challenged and to learn about practical use for the skills being taught in school.  If you are interested in more information about the Gifted and Talented Programs in Central Community Schools please contact Karen Watson, Coordinator of the Gifted and Talented Program, at [email protected] or 650-6905 or Amy McLin, Director of Special Programs at [email protected] or 262-1919.