Hood Students take home honors at Maryland Student Legislature Annual Session

FREDERICK, Maryland—Hood students received awards at the Maryland Student Legislature (MSL) Annual Session last weekend.

The event, which usually takes place in the Maryland House of Delegates and Senate chambers, took place virtually on Saturday, April 17 and began with welcome messages from U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen as well as Representatives Jamie Raskin and David Trone. Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson gave the keynote address including remarks on the importance of youth civic engagement.

Hood Students were honored with the following awards at the conclusion of the session:

• Best Act - Eric Gyamfi
• Best Resolution - Ashlee Rowles
• Best Senator - Ashlee Rowles
• Best Delegate - Simon Williams
• Herbert C. Smith Award for a Distinguished Career of Service - Jacob Keith

Ashlee Rowles was also elected Governor of the MSL for the 2021-22 year.

“We are so proud to offer students such a hands-on, real-world learning experience,” said Hood delegation advisor, Dr. Carin Robinson, Ph.D. “Practicing the art of civil debate in a legislative context is worthwhile given the partisan context we find ourselves in today. We are especially proud of these students’ efforts in light of the logistical burdens brought by the pandemic.”

The MSL is a nonprofit that allows college and university students opportunities to experience Maryland state government and legislative processes and gather to write and debate public policy. The MSL includes delegations from Hood College; McDaniel College; Mount St. Mary’s University; St. Mary’s College of Maryland; St. John’s College; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; University of Maryland, College Park; and Washington College.

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