On Thursday, February 19, 2009 gifted students and their adult escorts from across Colorado will gather early in the morning at the Colorado History Museum to begin an extraordinary day absorbed in the process of political debate and lawmaking with members of the Colorado General Assembly. The Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented will mark its 10th year sponsoring this annual event to celebrate excellence in the presence of exceptional learners, their teachers, their parents, their advocates and those elected to represent Colorado's future.

Middle and high school GT specialists, counselors, and social studies, civics, and forensics/debate teachers are asked to consider A FEW outstanding 8th through 12th grade students for recommendation to shadow a state legislator for this exceptional day. Applications must be completed online www.coloradogifted.org, including the required essay, before students will be considered for the shadowing program. Completed student applications Sections 1-6) and registration form and payment must be received by CAGT no later than February 1, 2009.

Since there are 100 members of the Colorado General Assembly, CAGT may not be able to place all the students who apply to shadow a legislator. When larger numbers of students from local areas apply to shadow, the chances for assigning those students with enough willing legislators is diminished. Space is also limited at the History Museum. First come, first served applies to this activity.

All registered students, regardless of shadowing assignments, may participate in the day's activities including the orientation in the morning, the lunchtime forum at the History Museum, observing the proceedings from the House or Senate gallery in the morning, and the committee hearings in the afternoon. All students in 6th and 7th grade or younger, MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT during the day's activities. Only 8th and 12th grade recommended students may apply to shadow a legislator for the day.

Students who choose to invest in researching current bills, contacting their home Senate and House elected representatives prior to Legislative Day, and arranging a time to meet their senator or representative, will be well on their way to a most productive and engaging experience at the Capitol. Shadowing provides only one means to connect, but it is a great opportunity for those who are equipped to handle the adult environment at the Capitol and represent themselves maturely in the legislative arena.

Please address your questions regarding LEGISLATIVE DAY AT THE CAPITOL to CAGT at cagt@aol.com for registration or the student shadow application process and event schedule.