Every student in Mrs. Ashlea Quigley's senior Government class at Haxtun High School is required to write a letter to their Congressperson while studying the Legislative branch. This assignment is meant to engage the students in civic participation, teach them how to write a formal letter and show them that they can affect legislation even at their age.

In this project students must first find a bill that interests them and is actively in the legislative process; therefore, it cannot be a bill that has already been passed or has been lost. They then must conduct thorough research that will aid them in their persuasion of how their Congressperson should vote on said bill. This research generally entails statistical facts that support their opinion, but it can also include the factual information that demonstrates either the benefits or downfalls of the bill's effects.

In the process of the assignment, Quigley aids in locating bills and provide guidance of research that should be conducted and information that would be beneficial in their argument; however, the letters, themselves, remain to be the voices of the students. When letters are completed and graded, Quigley mails them to whichever representative students have written to (this is determined by where the bill is in process).

This year, a number of letters went to District 4 House Representative, Ken Buck. By happen-chance, Representative Buck's District Director, Monica, walked by the mail on Friday morning to see a stack of, roughly 11, letters written by Haxtun High School students. She opened one, read it, then another and another, until all eleven were read. She then found it necessary to contact Quigley to inform her of the gratitude for the project and the work done by the students. Monica was beyond impressed with the level of research and writing that these students demonstrated. She said that these letters were "well-written, well-researched and well-informed." She expressed the need for students to be engaged in these matters and she was most taken by Quigley's encouragement of students to get involved.

Monica reached out to Representative Buck to recognize Haxtun students and their jobs well done. Ultimately, Representative Buck ended up meeting with the seniors at Haxtun High School via Zoom. Students' letters and questions will also be published in a newsletter with Representative Buck's responses; meaning, that all of District 4, specifically those in Northeastern Colorado, will see the greatness of the students.

"I cannot express how proud I am of these students for their most impressive work!" said Quigley. "Generally, we receive a letter, maybe two or three, back from our representatives, but this year's response far-exceeds anything I could have imagined."

Below is one letter sent to Representative Buck:

Dear Representative Ken Buck:

I am writing to you to express my support for the H.R.1739 bill, "Support Our Military Working Dogs Act," that is being introduced to the House of Representatives. This bill is devoted to helping the retired military dogs to find long-term care. It also will help provide information about the trauma the dogs are going through.

There are approximately 2,300 retired military dogs in the U.S. The dogs that serve alongside them also suffer from PTSD. A military dog retires at about ten to twelve years of age. The Veterans Affairs determine when the military dog can retire and become a veteran. The research that the bill will provide will help people understand the trauma the dog went through. Just like the men and women of the U.S Armed force are not the only ones that suffer from PTSD. About 10% of the military dogs suffer from PTSD. The bill will help find long-term care for the dogs. One of the treatments for the dogs is a new home with new surroundings, which will help them feel more at peace. The other treatment for the dogs are behavioral and medical treatment. That this bill helps with the research and long-term care for the dog that may have PTSD.

In closing, I urge you to consider helping pass this bill for it will help the retired military dogs that served our country.

Sincerely,

Cierra Dick

"Civics is an important topic and I enjoyed their questions about Congress, my typical day on Capitol Hill and how they can get more involved in public service," Buck said about his correspondence with seniors at Haxtun High School.