Jacob Keith and Brielle Rozmus Win MSL Awards

FREDERICK, Maryland—Eight Hood College students attended the annual Maryland Student Legislature simulation in Annapolis April 13-15, and two won awards.

Freshman Jacob Keith won Best Delegate, and junior Brielle Rozmus won Best State Senator. Keith was also elected as MSL attorney general.

“The trip was amazing,” said Keith. “The session nurtured a good environment for lively debate, allowing me to flex my ‘speaking muscles.’ I attribute the win to my inability to keep my mouth shut, encouraging me to take the affirmative or negative floor whenever there was a moment of silence.

“This experience has taught me that active participation can foster a positive experience, whether as a member of a legislature or as a student within a classroom.”

This was Rozmus’ third trip to the MSL annual session. She sits on the awards committee and argued against herself winning an award because she thought there were more deserving seniors. However, her peers voted for her.

“I had never won an award before, and I felt really valued as a third-year member,” she said. “I really love MSL, and I try to make it the best it can be. It felt great to be recognized by my fellow peers for the work I do.”

Rozmus has enjoyed the networking opportunities and skills she has gained from MSL, and these opportunities have already helped her future career.

“From Robert’s Rules of Order, to how to write legislation, everything I have learned helped me secure my current internship,” she said. “I believe it will help me secure a job in the near future. MSL has also allowed me to make close, personal bonds with students from across the state. These bonds help me understand our state and other people’s view points, and I really value their input and experiences.”

Former Governor Martin O’Malley gave the keynote address to the group on Saturday.

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. Each year during its annual session, members experience the legislative process of the actual House of Delegates and senate chambers. 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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