On March 13, student leaders from across St. Vrain Valley Schools stepped beyond the classroom and into the heart of Colorado’s legislative process.
As members of the district’s Student Advisory Council—a group of high school students representing their schools and helping inform district decisions—these students traveled to the Colorado State Capitol for a firsthand look at how laws are debated, shaped, and passed.
Throughout the day, students observed live legislative sessions, engaged with professionals working behind the scenes, and explored the many pathways that influence public policy. For many, the experience brought their classroom learning to life in a powerful way.
During their visit, students were invited onto the House floor by State Representative Karen McCormick, who represents House District 11, including St. Vrain Valley Schools. She recognized the group during the session and asked them to stand, acknowledging their presence in front of the full chamber—a moment that underscored the significance of their role as student leaders.
“Going to the state capitol was a great learning experience for me,” said Amy Calderon, a junior at Niwot High School. “The most interesting part of the trip was watching the legislative sessions where representatives voted on bills and listening to a legislator, bill drafter, and government relations speak. It was interesting to see how the process actually works in real life, rather than just learning about it in class.”
Amy shared that her involvement in the Student Advisory Council inspired her to take part in the experience, building on her interest in leadership and civic engagement.
“I think it’s important to understand how the government works and how decisions are made that affect our communities,” she said. “Being part of the Student Advisory Council has already helped me see how leadership and discussion can lead to change, so I wanted to expand that perspective by experiencing how the state government works in person.”
For Tucker Beasley, a senior at Silver Creek High School, the opportunity to witness the legislative process in real time stood out as a defining moment.
“The most memorable part of the experience for me was being able to be in the House as they passed real bills through the third reading,” Tucker said. “It was incredibly cool and unique.”
Tucker emphasized the value of hands-on learning experiences, noting that opportunities like this deepen his understanding of complex issues.
“I find that practical experiences are the ones I learn from best,” he said. “From interviewing lobbyists to discussing phone policy, I have a better understanding of current issues because I have been a part of these opportunities.”
Through their time at the Capitol, students also gained insight into the collaborative nature of government, an understanding that extends far beyond elected officials.
“The largest lesson I learned was that senators and house members are the public faces of a much larger political body,” Tucker added. “Their actions are supported by lawyers, bill writers, librarians, lobbyists; it takes a village to get what they want done.”
The experience was organized and led by Brandon Shaffer, Executive Director of Legal and Governmental Affairs for St. Vrain Valley Schools and former President of the Colorado State Senate. He emphasized the importance of connecting students with real-world civic experiences.
“Experiences like this bring learning to life by giving students a firsthand look at how laws are shaped and decisions are made,” Shaffer said. “By engaging directly with legislators, lobbyists, and legal professionals, students gain a deeper understanding of civic processes while also seeing the wide range of roles they can play in them.”
He added that beyond understanding systems, these opportunities help students grow as leaders.
“Just as importantly, these experiences help students build confidence, ask thoughtful questions, and see themselves as active participants in their communities.”
Experiences like this reflect the purpose of the Student Advisory Council, giving students a voice, expanding their understanding of leadership, and connecting learning to the real-world decisions that shape their communities.