“You’re actually my most intimidating audience,” Sen. Jerry Moran joked with a group of Iola High School students on Friday morning.
Moran stopped by for a tour of the new science and technology building at IHS on his way to Coffeyville, where he planned to visit Coffeyville Community College to recognize their national basketball championship last year, and visit a new CEO at the hospital there.
Moran, who serves on various education committees in Washington, D.C., said he often visits high schools around Kansas, but this was his first chance to see IHS. It gives him a opportunity to talk to students, and see first-hand what is happening at Kansas schools.
“Nearly every decision we make has a consequence for this generation,” he said. “This is my chance to stay connected.”
IHS seniors Josie Plumlee and Sam Fager, accompanied by Principal Scott Carson, led Moran through the science and technology building, that opened this fall. They told him about some of the advantages of the modern building, with its cafeteria and large commons area, storm shelter and multiple classrooms.
They visited the Family and Consumer Sciences classrooms, a robotics classroom and two science classes before heading over to the agriculture building. There, Moran talked to FFA adviser Amanda Holman and her students. Holman showed him some of the ag welding projects students have been working on.
Moran seemed especially interested in hearing about the Rural Regional Technical Center at LaHarpe, though his brief visit did not allow for a stop there.
Carson explained how the program had grown in recent years, and now accommodates programs from four community colleges and welcomes about 100 students each day from seven area high schools. 
The RRTC will add automotive technology next year, in addition to welding, building trades, wind technology, a CNA program and anatomy and physiology.
“I used to think we were under-emphasizing career and technical education in Kansas. That’s not true now,” Moran said. 
Plumlee told him she’s seen a lot of excitement for the programs among her peers.
“I feel like it’s really starting to find more kids.”
She talked with Moran about attending a larger school when she was younger, and she feels there are more opportunities in a smaller school.
In each classroom, Moran made a point of thanking teachers for their efforts.
“I’m a first-generation college graduate,” he explained. “I had great teachers in my little town, so I also use this an opportunity to express gratitude to teachers who really do make a difference in people’s lives.”
