The Shadow
LOW MOOR Va. (VR) — U.S. Rep. Ben Cline visited Alleghany High School and gave students an inside look at life as an elected official serving in Congress.
Cline has represented Virginia’s 6th District, which includes the Alleghany Highlands, since 2019. He served in the Virginia General Assembly from 2002-2018. During his visit to AHS, he addressed government students and students enrolled in Alleghany Highlands Advancement:
Law and Political Science.
His recent talk to students gave them insight into his role as a congressman and the political climate in Washington. He also fielded several questions from students that covered issues such as personal rights, energy costs, tariffs and taxation, TikTok, immigration, and career
choices.
“I had a great visit to Alleghany High School … I enjoyed speaking with students about my work in Congress and what led me to public service. It’s always great to see young Virginians engaged and interested in the policies shaping our nation’s future,” Cline said.
“I want to hear from students. In my role in Congress, I strive to reach agreement when I can, I stand on principles that reflect my overall constituency, and I want to make sure everyone is represented and can participate. We want a strong America. We want a peaceful world, and we want good jobs waiting on our students so they can make the correct career choices,” he added.
Cline urged students who are interested in careers in public service to apply for a congressional internship. The internships, he said, provide students with an educational experience that can broaden their skills for a future career. Interns gain a greater understanding of how a congressional office operates while enhancing career development. There are no age restrictions for interns, but most are between the ages of 18 and 24.
The congressman urged interested AHS students to contact his district office in Roanoke at (540) 857-2672. Students interested in AHA: Law and Political Science should contact Ginni Phillips at virginia.phillips@ahps.k12.va.us.
Cline’s visit to AHS was arranged by Kristy Humphreys, who teaches government, economics, and personal finance. Cline made a similar visit to AHS in 2024. Cline and his staff were complimentary of the thoughtful questions asked by AHS students.
“It was an honor to have Congressman Cline come and speak with the students Friday.
Understanding government and politics will help the students at AHS navigate the complicated world of how decisions are made and policies are created,” Humphreys said.
AHPS serves approximately 2,700 students. The school division is jointly funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington. The school division was formed when Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center merged on
July 1, 2022.
AHPS news and events are regularly updated on Facebook at AHPublicSchools and Instagram at ahpublicschools. Information is also available at ahpublicschools.
