Congressman Mike Ross spoke to the students of Drew Central High School during a tour of schools in his congressional district Tuesday, April 10.

“I believe without a doubt that education is the only way for young people to provide for their family one day. Years ago it was perfectly fine to find employment without a degree but not today. No longer are young people able to support themselves or a family comfortably without a degree or technical training” Ross stated.

A panel of students asked Ross questions that concerned them ranging from the gasoline prices to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. They questioned Ross in regard to his stand on gay marriages and adoption of children by gay couples.

Ross was direct in the answers to gay marriages and the adoption issue in which he emphatically replied “No!” that he was opposed to both issues.

Gasoline prices are a major concern for teens and Ross was asked about the continuing rise in cost. He explained that America must find alternative resources to fuel and not rely on foreign countries for their supply. He was impressed with a recent trip to Minnesota where he learned that that state is moving forward with requirement of ethanol in gasoline which can lower the overall cost. Arkansas must find whys to produce alternative resources such as the bio-fuel program. “While the hardworking people pay at the pump, the oil company executives are making more money for their pockets” Ross said.

Ross spoke of the importance of education and why he felt it was imperative that he speak to the students. “Although you are not able to vote right now, one day you will be. You are the future. I am impressed with the level of questions from the student panel and your attentiveness today. You are the future leaders” Ross stated.

On the issue of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Ross believes there are issues with need to be addressed; he still believes that “everyone should be held accountable for the education of students including parents.” The reauthorization of NCLB is scheduled for this year and changes are in store for the act.

Student panel member Kris Kelly impressed with Ross’ comments stated “I was impressed with his speech and his overall comments. He was very much in line with how I feel about these very issues.”

Students were curious on how Ross felt about school consolidation. “I grew up in a school district that was smaller than Drew Central so I feel very strongly that small schools are much stronger than larger ones” Ross stated.

Ross was asked how he feels about immigration and in particular about a student who is currently seeking citizenship in the United States. Natalie Spradlin, 10th grade student, stated, “I was not particularly impressed with Congressman Ross’ answer on the immigration question. I feel he should have known a bit more about this issue.”

Also attending were Senator Jimmy Jeffress and Drew County Judge Damon Lampkin. Jeffress addressed all students on how impressed he was with the panel of questions and then recognized the seniors in particular. “I know you are counting down the days left in high school and let me say that I am really excited about being invited to participate in the senior project boards as a judge on May 14. I am looking forward to it and wish each of you the best of luck,” Jeffress said.

The event was organized through the history department under the direction of Ron Graham with assistance of speech teacher Tracy Rodgers.