Both Leadership Chattooga classes visited the State Capitol in February. The Student Edition met with Senator Jeff Mullis, Representative Eddie Lumsden, and Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan on their tour of the Capitol. Senator Mullis’ son, Greg, and staff member Caroline Cole led the tour, along with NWJDA Project Manager Spencer Hogg. The students were able to watch the Senate pass legislation from the gallery in the Senate Chamber, and afterwards they sat in on Senator Mullis’ Rules Committee meeting.

The students then ate lunch at the Sloppy Floyd Building cafeteria, browsed the grounds around the Capitol and headed home early. The group commented on how fascinating it was to be able to watch the proceedings and to meet so many of our leaders in Atlanta. Unfortunately, Governor Kemp was not available, but the class said their ability to talk with so many key people made the trip very worthwhile and enjoyable.

The adult class was able to meet Governor Kemp a few days later. They also enjoyed a tour of the Capitol with Senator Mullis’ staff, and they met with Senator Mullis and Representative Lumsden. They also sat in on some of the Senate’s session that day before lunching at the Sloppy Floyd Building cafeteria. Afterwards Tina Cox gave them a VIP tour of the Howard Finster permanent exhibit at the High Museum. The group commented on the ride home how intriguing that tour was—they learned so much that they didn’t know about the local artist’s fame across the world.