United States Senate Youth Program

William Randolph Hearst Foundation

1982 North Dakota Delegate

(along with Tom Mattern from Bismarck)

George Peters, our Bowman High School guidance counselor, gave me a government test and asked me to list my leadership activities. He did not give me the reason for this but I did as requested. A month or more later, I was called into the principal’s office. My classmates “oohed” and “ahhed” because supposedly the “trouble” students were the only ones called to the office. I don’t remember if Mr. Kelly Oien or Dr. Herb Johnson shared the “news” with me. However, I was informed that I was one of two individuals selected from North Dakota to attend the United States Senate Youth Program. I would be flown from Bismarck to Washington, D.C. for a week of speakers and tours in our nation’s capitol. In addition, I would receive a $2000 scholarship if I would study US Government or history for two years when I attended a post-secondary institution.

My flight was scheduled close to the time that a plane crashed in the DC area. My parents were a little bit hesitant but they took me to Bismarck where I was then on my way. Upon arrival at the airport in DC I was greeted by an escort officer that guided delegates to the baggage claim. We were driven to the Mayflower Hotel. I remember “Mom” Hearst greeting me by name. I never knew if the escort officers told her ahead of time or if she had learned our names from the photograph she had received from us. I went to my room where I met my roommate, Denise Edson, a Department of Defense school student. This was the first year that DOD students were present.

An array of food was presented to us and the week was underway!

We met with government leaders. I need to refer to my publication that was mailed after the event to include everyone. My photograph of all the delegates is currently in my Bowman, ND, office.

President Ronald Reagan was serving our country in 1982. I remember Congresswoman Millicent Fenwick. I met the Congressmen from North Dakota: Byron Dorgan, Quentin Burdick, and Mark Andrews. I received photographs that were taken with each of them.

Delegates from other states would ask me where I would be attending college. They were NOT familiar with North Dakota State University.

In the fall of 1982 I enrolled in history 101. We were on the quarter system then so I also completed history 102 and 103. My grades were “C,” “B,” and “C.” I believe Professor Danbom was my instructor for the whole year. My junior year I enrolled in political science 101. I received a “C” in American Federal Government. Problems with American Government/Politics was offered for “pols 102” and I took it as a pass/fail class. I passed! Political science 103 was state and local government and I received another “C.”

This week of activity and my coursework which followed has been the foundation for my current endeavor of pursuing the executive office. I am certainly learning more about our government as I pursue the Presidency as an independent candidate.

April 15, 2008, 10:06 p.m. MST