North Sevier High School students were invited to attend the Constitution Day Conference held at Utah Valley University. The Conference was held on Constitution Day, September 17th and sponsored by UVU’s Center for Constitutional Studies. Social science teacher Rodney Hurd from North Sevier made arrangements for the students to attend and chaperoned them at the Conference. “It is important for students to know and study the Constitution,” he said. “This event was an opportunity for students to visit a university campus and expand their knowledge of our country’s most important document.”
The Conference started with an introduction by Matthew Brogdon, Director of Constitutional Studies. He introduced the importance of studying the Constitution and asked questions regarding the document. Several students from North Sevier were able to answer questions and receive UVU shirts for their efforts.
The keynote speakers at the event were the brothers Hyrum and Verlan Lewis. Both are college professors of government and history. They co-authored the book “The Myth of Left and Right: How the Political Spectrum Misleads and Harms America.”
Their presentation looked at how use of the political spectrum in explaining party affiliation often leads to “us versus them” mentality and does not consider the diversity of opinions found in both major political parties. Both discussed the importance of civil dialogue and the need to listen to other opinions. As part of their presentation, they held a question-and-answer period. Several questions were asked concerning how to bridge the divide in political discussion. The speakers both emphasized the need for both parties to pick one or two issues and find common ground that will work toward a solution.
After the presentation, one student, Cheyenne Johnson commented on how she gained a better understanding of political parties. Based on the presentation, another student, A’lexieus Cary asked questions about how to decide which candidate to support. The entire group was appreciative of the opportunity, gained important information, and became more interested in the Constitution.
Arriving early, North Sevier High School Students were seated in the front row of the Clarke Building Auditorium at Utah Valley University in Orem.
North Sevier High School Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society at their induction breakfast with Guest Speaker Representative Carl Albrecht.
On the morning of September 13, 2024 North Sevier High School’s Rho Kappa Club held its annual induction breakfast. This year’s Social Studies Honor Society has a total of twenty-five members. The organization was first chartered at the high school in 2018. Since then, the organization invites its members to an annual induction breakfast with a public official as a guest speaker.
At this year’s breakfast students had the pleasure of listening to Representative Carl Albrecht of the Utah Legislature. Representative Albrecht spoke on the importance of the Constitution and the need for individuals to step up and provide service. As part of his conversation with students, Representative Albrecht related his experience as a young boy when President Kennedy was assassinated. He spoke of the impact of the assassination on his life and how it started his interest in politics. He encouraged the North Sevier students to get involved and be part of the civil dialogue that is so needed in politics today.
At the State Legislature, Representative Albrecht is known as Mr. Rural. His record on preposing and supporting legislation for rural Utah is long and important. Representative Albrecht’s willingness to visit North Sevier and speak at an early morning breakfast also shows his unwavering support for public education and student needs.
Rho Kappa is the National Social Science Honor Society. The North Sevier Chapter is the only chartered chapter in the state of Utah.
Caden Johnson, current president of the organization, said, “Rho Kappa is a great organization. We have fun activities such as field trips and historical after school movies. One of the best parts is the service projects for the community.”
The faculty advisors to the program are Rodney Hurd and Jaylynn Johnson.
Mr. Hurd stated, “the organization was established to promote scholarship and to recognize excellence among high school students. The members are encouraged to develop interest in and understanding of the social sciences”.
