Florida State Senator inspires students at the Law & Politics Speaker Series at Piper High School

FT. LAUDERDALE – Newly elected Florida State Senator Chris Smith excited the students of Piper High School in Sunrise, with his charismatic and dynamic delivery as the second guest speaker in the Law & Politics Speaker Series at Piper.

The Speaker Series, which was established by Sunrise attorney Ghenete Wright Muir to inspire students and connect them to the legal and political community, delivered another insightful exchange between the speaker and students.

Ghenete Wright Muir
Smith, who was very active in his Fort Lauderdale community as a youngster, encouraged the students to participate in their communities and told them of the benefits that can be had as a result. As a youth, the Senator participated in youth groups, student government, athletics and moot court.

With the recent historic presidential election and the buzz surrounding the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, students were excited to hear details of a recent conversation between Senator Smith and Senator Obama. Smith, now 38, and Obama discovered that they shared a parallel in their political careers, as Obama was also 38 when he became State Senator of Illinois.

Senator Smith also shared how he entered politics at age 28 winning a seat to be a member of the State House of Representative. He explained that he termed out after serving in the House for 8 years and then decided to run for the State Senate. Students questioned Smith about his role as a State Senator and they gained a clear understanding of the responsibilities involved.

Newly elected Florida State Senator Chris Smith engages Piper High School students at the monthly Law & Politics Speaker Series at Piper. Looking on is series developer, Sunrise attorney Ghenete Wright Muir.
Smith explained, “We spend the state budget and we pass state laws.” He elaborated on how the state spends its now $68 billion budget and how laws are passed. When asked about why he entered politics Smith told students that he always wanted to make a change in people’s lives and influence laws. The Senator shared one of his favorites quotes, “If not me, then who? If not now, then when?”