KHS student delves into world of politics

James White has a passion for politics.

The sixteen year old Kennett High School student was recently invited by the Black Caucus of Missouri Legislature to attend the Emerging Leaders Conference.

“We were able to go and stay in Columbia at the Mizzou campus,” said White. “We learned about how the legislative process works.”

Pictured is James White. "I think all teenagers should have some knowledge of politics," he said. White recently attended the Emerging Leaders Conference in Columbia.Photo provided

White continued, “We actually got to go inside the Capitol and to talk to Sen. Mosley and some representatives.”

“The next day we also had a trial which I was elected and voted on to get one of the bills passed, which was the legalization of marijuana,” White added. “They voted like the regular legislature and got it passed.”

White, who resides in Kennett, had attended school in Texas prior to his arrival at KHS.

“The experience was similar to how it was in Texas, because I was in the Youth in Government program there,” he said. “It was the same process just more in depth.”

“One thing I like about it is young people were actually speaking their opinions and stating facts and statistics,” shared White. “It was really a good thing to be a part of.”

White informed on his experience in Texas.

“While I was in high school in Texas, I had a teacher, Mr. Kain, and he was able to get me in the Youth in Government program,” said White. “My first year I learned a lot.”

White continued, “I was involved in a legislative process where we actually created bills and debated them.”

“I had a bill that got passed in Texas,” he stated. “It was an act mandating every public school in Texas would at least have African American studies and Mexican American studies as an elective for high school students to graduate.”

White stated he also had the opportunity to travel to Austin and participate in a debate at the Capitol.

White provided he believes it’s important for kids to get interested in politics.

“The youth of our nation is our future, so I think it’s very important for them to at least have an understanding of how the political world works,” he said.

White added, “Voting is very important. I always encourage people when they turn 18 get out there and vote.”

“I don’t know if teenagers realize the important role they play in politics,” he said. “Most of the bills they’re voting on and making laws will affect them. They should have some knowledge of politics.”

White’s mother, Shaqunna, reflected on his early interest in politics.

“I”m so proud,” she said. “He’s been like this since he was six years old.”

She continued, “I noticed he was watching things my other son wasn’t. I would go in a room and he was watching the news or have a debate on. I told my mom something’s not right.”

“He’s not interested in cartoons,” she stated. “But, it made him happy.”

White shared he does see politics in his future but plans on attending college first seeking a degree in law.

As far as a favorite politician, White informed, “I look up to all of them. I learn from everyone of them.”