Mr. Rutland’s political club empowers students to engage in local and national government

Mr. Rutland’s passion for promoting good citizenship and political involvement among students is clear through his leadership of the school’s political club. The club focuses on getting students active in politics and helping them connect with government representatives.

“It helps students get involved in politics,” Rutland said. “They even have chances to page at the state capitol or in Washington, D.C.”

The club emphasizes political discussions and real-world experiences outside the classroom. Meetings often take place at local restaurants where students dive into local government issues. Students have also visited places like the Lee County Jail and spoken with the sheriff and coroner.

“These trips give students a strong understanding of how local politics really work,” Rutland said.

Although the club has previously led voter registration drives, it now partners with outside organizations for that work. Rutland noted that collaboration with other political groups on campus is limited because the focus remains on education and awareness, not activism.

“We want our students to be informed citizens who are ready to engage in the political process both locally and nationally,” he said.

Student Breanna George shared her experience from a recent trip the Republican Club took to Jackson, Mississippi. They observed state representatives making bills and watched them get signed into law.

“We even sat in on a live session,” George said. “We toured the governor’s mansion and the Supreme Court building and met lots of big-time Mississippi politicians. I had lunch with Chad McMahan, Governor Tate Reeves, and Shane Aguirre.”