Columbia State Community College student Jaeden Kennedy recently participated in the Tennessee Board of Regents’ Day on the Hill event with other members of the Student Government Presidents Council and SkillsUSA.

“TBR Day on the Hill was one for the books,” said Kennedy. “Not only did I meet with SGA presidents and members from other colleges in Tennessee, but I also was presented with the opportunity to meet with two great Tennessee senators. Thank you, Senator Kerry Roberts and Senator Richard Briggs, for your time. It was highly valued, and I learned so much about your life on Capitol Hill.”

The TBR Day on the Hill allows members of the Student Government Presidents Council and SkillsUSA the opportunity to meet with state legislators and attend post-secondary education committee meetings.

“Having TBR organize events like Day on the Hill for students is such an amazing experience for them,” said Tia Miller, Columbia State student development coordinator. “It gives them the opportunity to have an up-close look at the legislative process, to see for themselves how legislation moves through committees and how their communities are represented at the state level. Having students become more civically educated is such an important part of us empowering them to be more engaged in our democracy.

This leadership opportunity is available to just two students in Student Government Association and/or SkillsUSA from each institution. Kennedy was the SGA member able to attend and represent Columbia State. His day included meetings with state Senators Richard Briggs and Kerry Roberts. He also attended committee and subcommittee meetings.

“Meeting with officials who are the voices for Tennessee people was incredible, and to watch them work diligently to vote on new bills in the House of Representatives and the Senate was an experience I will cherish forever,” Kennedy said. “Thank you TBR for an incredible day—I am looking forward to seeing you in 2023!”