Students in senior government at Orcas High School had a special treat last Wednesday when they were able to participate in a question and answer session long distance with Pulitzer Prize winning author/journalist Hedrick Smith. Smith, in response to an invitation by the teacher, spoke to the class via Skype. Students were able to both see and hear Mr. Smith as he shared anecdotes of his role in the publishing of the Pentagon Papers in 1971. Also, a wide range of questions about Congress, the fiscal cliff, change in filibuster rules, the budget process and transparency asked by students were fielded deftly by Mr. Smith.

All of this was possible with the use of 21st century technology at the school. This is the kind of learning experience that monies raised by the recently passed technology levy make available. Thank you to our community for continuing to support the necessary upgrades so that our students can make use of the different ways technology can augment their education.

Kathleen Collister

Orcas High School