On Monday, Mount Madonna School hosted an Appreciation Day for Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA), honoring the 10-term representative for his leadership and service to California’s 17th district and recognizing him as a mentor, friend and educator for two decades of Mount Madonna School students.
MMS high school students have interviewed Farr in Washington, D.C. during every term since he was first elected to Congress in 1993, travelling to D.C. biannually to interview both government and non-government leaders as part of the school’s Values in World Thought social studies class.
‘Congressman Farr’s confidence and support for MMS students has opened many doors in Congress,’ commented Ward Mailliard, MMS teacher and founder of the Values program, introducing the guest of honor. ‘As a trusted friend and colleague to members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, Sam has helped us navigate the front office of busy members to arrange many memorable interviews. Our assembly and classroom discussions today are to say thank you for 20 years of service in the House of Representatives and 20 years of friendship and support for the Values program!’
Addressing the students and faculty, Farr spoke about his time in the Peace Corps and how that affected the direction of his life and propelled him into public service:
‘I’ve spent my career trying to ensure that everyone, especially those on the margins of society have three simple things: A safe place to sleep, access to education and access to medical care.’ With that, he added, “Anyone can then figure out how to live the life they want.”
During the presentation, Mailliard recalled a memorable engagement from an earlier Values trip in D.C.:
‘Sam took our students into a Rules Committee hearing with his friend and colleague across the aisle, Congressman David Drier,’ said Mailliard. ‘The entire Committee stopped its proceeding to explain to the students what they were doing, which was deciding the rules of debate for a bill funding the Iraq war that was about to go before the Congress. As the committee members went through the votes they explained each step to the students, giving them one of the most privileged civics lessons any student has ever received.’
When he spoke again, Farr shared with those assembled his impression of the quality of interaction that he has had with the MMS students over the years, and his hope that many students would pursue internships and even careers in government service.
Later he met in the classroom with 11th and 12th grade students who will be travelling to Washington, D.C. in May 2014. He answered their questions about the current debate in Washington over the budget, and the changes he’s seen in Congress during his many years of service.
Senior Olorin Etemad-Lehmer asked the Congressman about what pressures, motivations and reactions he received during and after his decision to vote against the Iraq war bill. In response, Farr said that even though he was only one of 10 who voted ‘no’ among 435 Congressional votes, there are times when you know in your heart what the right thing to do is, and even though it might cost you your seat, you have to do what your conscience tells you to do. He said he was delighted and surprised to return home to a public event where he was given a five-minute standing ovation for his vote.
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Nestled among the redwoods on 355 mountaintop acres, Mount Madonna is a safe and nurturing college-preparatory school that supports students in becoming caring, self-aware and articulate critical thinkers, who are prepared to meet challenges with perseverance, creativity and integrity. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville.