FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2019
For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115
Glenville, WV – Two Glenville State College students had the opportunity to shadow delegates in the West Virginia Legislature for one week during the regular sixty-day session as part of the Frasure-Singleton Internship.
Christopher “Chance” McTaggart, a junior education major from Gassaway, West Virginia, shadowed Delegate Tom Fast during his internship. “The program was an amazing experience,” said McTaggart. “I was paired with Delegate Tom Fast who took me under his wing for the week, gave me much insight, and changed my entire view on the political process and how important state and local politics are in our everyday life. I was not very into politics when I applied, but once you are down there and you experience what true professionalism is, you get wrapped up in it, and you do not want to leave.”
He credits the college and his professors for supporting him in the internship process. “The opportunity that was given to me by Glenville State College has truly helped me to grow as a person and added so much to my understanding of government and professionalism. I want to thank Dr. [Marisha] Lecea for being the person on campus who pushes for people to apply for the program. I would also like to thank Dr. [Ed] Wood for writing my recommendation for the application process; without his help, none of it would have been possible,” said McTaggart.
Lucas Bonnett, a junior history/criminal justice major from Exchange, West Virginia, shadowed Delegate Brent Boggs during his internship. “I have always been interested in history and government; my favorite classes throughout school were social studies. I enjoy politics and have always tried to keep up with what is in the news. When I learned I could spend a week with the state legislature I jumped on the opportunity! It was made even more enjoyable due to my friendship with my representative, Delegate Brent Boggs,” said Bonnett. “I believe that the internship has been one of the most valuable pieces of my education throughout all of my schooling. It is one thing to learn about how government works in a classroom, but to sit in on the process and speak with those who are familiar with it is an entirely different kind of education. I learned a lot and have a new-found respect for all of those involved.”
Bonnett recommends anyone interested in government to take part in the Frasure-Singleton Internship. “You will make valuable contacts with representatives from all over the state and will come away with a brand new perspective on the legislative process.”
“I’m very proud of how our students have represented GSC and our community in Charleston during the legislative internship. I know they will do great things in their future, and I’m glad that they took advantage of the opportunity to see how state government works first hand,” said GSC Department of Social Science Chair and Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Marisha Lecea.
Students selected for the Frasure-Singleton Internship attend meetings and public hearings, sit on the floor during daily legislative sessions, and aid legislatures in research, constituent requests, and other legislative tasks.
For more information, contact Lecea at marisha.lecea@glenville.edu or visit www.wvlegislature.gov.
