01/31/2026
Some of the LHS JAG officers took a road trip this week to Pierre, SD to observe our state government in legislative session and engage with public leaders.
On Wednesday, we had an after hours tour of the South Dakota State Capitol, thanks to an amazing tour guide - Kristie Fiegen.
On Thursday morning, we sat in on some committee meetings, visited the Supreme Court Courtroom and State Library, and met with SD Secretary of Education Dr. Graves.
On Thursday afternoon , Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen, Sixth Circuit Court Judge M. Bridget Mayer, State Court Administrator Greg Sattizahn and Attorney and Lobbyist Brett Koenecke of the South Dakota Unified Judicial System spoke with us about careers in the judicial system and had us participate in a mock trial centered around a National Hockey League incident between Marty McSorley of the Boston Bruins and Donald Brashear of the Vancouver Canucks.
To end the day, the JAG students were formally recognized on the House and Senate floors, highlighting the program and celebrating the students’ participation in the legislative process.
***BONUS***
We had a little bonding time in the hotel Wednesday evening. The students became the teachers (and were highly entertained) helping their Specialist, Ms. Engelland, apply her very first facial mask. 🤣
