Government students at Heelan learn about being on their own

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
April 26, 2007

Lawyers from the Siouxland area presented "On Your Own" on April 24 to seniors in Jay Wright's government classes at Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City.

Eleven speakers spoke throughout four class periods. Each class received information from a different group of attorneys. The presentation touched on civil rights and legal issues the students will face once they leave home.

"I think this is a great opportunity for students to understand what their rights and legal responsibilities are. It is our goal to graduate productive, informed citizens, and I believe this will help in that endeavor. It is a great way for the community and school to work together," said Wright.

The speakers presented information involved with alcohol and drug possession, buying a car, car insurance, license plates, renting an apartment or house, etc.

"When you are buying a vehicle, first get a second opinion about the vehicle - take it to an independent mechanic and have them look at it," said Mark Ford, an attorney who spoke at Heelan. "Secondly, analyze the history of the vehicle. Every vehicle has a vin number and you can go to various sources and get a vehicle history."

He continued that someone should check out to see what the vehicle should be worth. They should also take it for a test drive.

Ford told the students that once the vehicle has been purchased, they need to make sure it is licensed and registered.

During one of the classes, an attorney, Sarah Kleber, shared a personal story about dealing with paying a parking ticket and what happens when someone does not pay a ticket on time.

"It is good for them to hear from someone other than me who has actually seen this stuff and deal with it on a daily basis," said Wright. "I spend so much time in class on Congress, the President and U.S. government that often we forget to discuss how laws affect them daily. Government happens all around us every day, but we don't realize it. It is good for them to know what things they will face in the next few years as they go out on their own."

Other topics that were discussed include employment, the Internet, copyright laws, workers compensation, taxes, unemployment benefits, criminal proceedings and many more.

Wright hopes the students learned "that what they do today will affect them for a long time. They still think they are kids, but at age 18 they are treated as adults and one mistake can cost them dearly."

"Hopefully it helps them prepare for what they will face when the real world comes calling next year," said the government teacher. "If nothing else, it was hopefully a resource that they can draw from later on, and that if they don't know the answer to a legal question, they will know that there are people out there that can help them."

The students were able to ask questions during the presentations or at the end. Each student received a booklet with information that was presented as well as other information that may be useful in the future.

"Hopefully today is just a tool that they can use and if things happen down the road they can look back and say, 'hey, I think this is what I need to do,'" said Wright. "It also helped to answer a lot of 'myths' about the legal system that kids had. Finally, I think it was important so they begin to see the importance of government around them every day, and that the laws that are being passed do indeed affect them in a very real way."