Aurora Central High School - Borealis Yearbook (Aurora, CO)

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Seniors Todd Alcock and Sue Barnett, chair- persons of the House of Representatives, take a break from the action in between resolution changes during the 1984 Student Congress. The representatives rise to vote on the Organ Transplant resolution. Among them are juniors Jen- nifer Palmes, Chuck Lemons, Chris Daws, Pat Man- son, Kevin Motto and Senior Derek Larsen. Those who were opposed to their views remained seated: Roche Santos, Marina Finnin, Ben Raymond, Marisa Williams, Bonnie Neiddu, and Lisa Landis, all ju- niors. Senior Tuan Le rereads resolution number six, Drafting Women and thinks over his vote which would break a 16-16 tie in the Senate during the 1984 Student Congress. - . - ii ...si f A long day of learning and . . . experiencing US democracy Point of order! Parlimentary proce- dure! All those against, say 'Nay'! Do any of these phrases sound familiar to you? They should if you attended the 26th annual Student Congress directed by Mrs. Chopyak on November 30, 1984. All four high schools in Aurora participated with Gateway, Rangeview, and Hinkley each sending 2-3 representatives. The day began for the delegates at 7:20 a.m. when they assembled in the audito- rium as roll was taken. Following the pre- sentation of the flags, Dan Schaefer ad- dressed the delegates. Meanwhile, an air of excitement was quickly beginning to fill the auditorium as the time for the first debate grew near. Then, as it seemed the excitement level was reaching its peak, the debates began. The first resolution was one that proposed a closed campus for Central. After minimal discussion tap- proximately 10 minutesl a vote was taken. The resolution failed miserably. Although most resolutions passed or faled with relative ease, some were more 24 Student Congress difficult than others. Resolution number six, organ transplants, by senior Tuan Le, had a very hard time passing the House of Representatives. Following almost an hour of debate and one amendment, the resolution was voted on. It passed 40-45. But wait! A recount was motioned and seconded. After seemingly endless re- counts, the resolution passed by a count fo 41-40. In similar fashion, over at the Sen- ate chambers, resolution number four, drafting women by seniors, Jim Mitchell, Jim Ford, Russ Foster, and Derek Larsen, was difficult to pass. The resolution, which passed easily 'through the House, encoun- tered stubborn opposition in the Senate. Again following almost an hour of debates and speeches, it was voted on. This time the result was a 16-16 tie with the decid- ing vote resting on Tuan Le's shoulders. During a very tense five minutes, Le rer- ead the resolution and thought about his decision. Finally, Le broke the deadlock by casting an 'Aye' vote, passing the pro- posal 17-16. Other resolutions weren't quite so close. In all, four resolutions failed: Closed Campus, Nuclear Weap- ons, Expansion of Stapleton Airport, and Lottery funds. Genetic Engineering, Draft- ing Women and Organ Transplants passed. The House was made up of primarily first year paticipants while the senators were all in their second, third, and fourth years. Mayor Pro-Tem of Aurora, Mrs. Capra, spoke to the delegates as a closing, followed by best speaker awards. Jim Ford took best senior speaker in the sen- ate while Derek Larsen took that honor in the house. Best Junior Marina Finnin, Best Sophomore Stephanie Smith, Best Fresh- man Lyn Schrotberger, Best Junior in the Senate, Natalie Blake, Best Sophomore Shiela O'Toole. No matter what hap- pened during the day, the delegates felt that it was an experience worth remem- bering. It was great! It enabled us to feel the power of decision making at our fin- gertips. This kind of thing should continue forever! said sophomore Dan Constance. All in agreement, say Aye

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in mn bw' i, , iii A ig,-, ,,, 3' ' ,A ,: , X . . iff ' M Z QW .A Vkyy A vgyvg, V - 3 ' if .gf f M ,Qi g gi 'ffl 4 . f i fi eatin . GW ' -'f?1'L,gf gl-ZJAQ 1 .9 ....r., Kgs , L- W l .W m -M, . we .ff 1 Tj 359552255 L -9 ' .yi 'V if f, ' xfl Ag ,ei 7 . . M lm x . Q af a vf fair. 1 f Senior Tuan Le presents his authorship speech for his resolution, Organ Transplants, to the House and the gallery. Senior Jim Ford defends his resolution, drafting women, in the Senate during the 1984 Student Con- gress. Student Congress 25