Photo 1 (left to right): Sen. Derrick Simmons (District 12, represents Bolivar County); Sen. Buck Clarke (District 22, represents Bolivar County); student Jordan Galtelli; student Hunter Webb; Senator David Parker (District 2, Allie Rose Parker’s father); student Allie Rose Parker; and Senator Willie Simmons (District 13, represents Bolivar County). Photo 2 (l to r): Hunter Webb; Rep. Abe Hudson (District 29, represents Bolivar County); Allie Rose Parker; and Jordan Galtelli.
A delegation of Student Government Association students from Delta State University visited the Mississippi State Capitol this month to observe legislators in session and to host Delta State’s local members for lunch.
The group of students included Allie Rose Parker, SGA president; Hunter Webb, SGA attorney general; and Jordan Galtelli, philanthropic affairs chairman.
Attending legislators included Sen. Derrick Simmons (District 12, represents Bolivar County); Sen. Buck Clarke (District 22, represents Bolivar County); Sen. Willie Simmons (District 13, represents Bolivar County); Rep. Abe Hudson (District 29, represents Bolivar County); and Sen. David Parker (District 2, Allie Rose’s father).
Rep. Hudson said the visit was special for him because of his ties to Delta State.
“Because I worked there for five years, Delta State University will always be a special place to me. I spoke with members of the student government association while they were in Jackson,” he said. “They were all knowledgable about happenings on campus and around the Mississippi Delta. Though we only spent a few minutes together, I was happy to see folks from back home.”
Parker said the experience of seeing the legislators in action was especially exciting.
“We took the time to meet our legislators to discuss Delta State,” said Parker. “We talked with them about the bills going through this session that had to with our university and about the recent budget cuts. It was an awesome experience to see the legislators in session because it was the first date for bills to be on the floor. We were able to witness the bills actually being talked on and voted on.”
The students also took time to complete a recent philanthropy project, delivering Valentine’s cards signed by students across campus to the Blair Batson’s Children’s Hospital.
On March 9, Delta State will continue it’s longstanding tradition of hosting legislators for a brown bag luncheon at the capital, providing more students the opportunity to network and interact with elected officials.
“We really look forward to the luncheon because it’s a great way to spread the word about the great things going on at Delta State,” said Parker. “It’s also a great way for students to connect with legislators on a more personal level, and improve DSU’s relationship with the legislature.”
