The U.S. Capitol serves as a monument to democracy and as a very large office building. This week, students in Upper School teacher Keith Mills’s American Government and Politics class traveled to the Hill, where they were hosted by Francis Brooke ’08. Mr. Brooke, the policy director for Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), the current House Minority Whip (and Majority Leader-elect), gave the class an insider’s look into the workings of a Congressional office, answering the many tough questions posed by students. He also shared some memories of his time on the Close as a student. Mr. Brooke advised the students, no matter their chosen career, to always be on time, do their homework, and respect and listen to others.

Austen Adcock, staff assistant in Scalise’s office, gave the class a tour of the Capitol, including access to the House floor. He reminded the students that the House of Representatives is “the People's House,” making connections to the principles and practices they have learned in their semester-long, senior-level course.

As Jack Marino ’23 said, “It was amazing to be inside the Minority Whip’s office and to gain insight into how to pursue a career in politics.” For Lucas Waldman ’23, it was his first visit inside the U.S. Capitol, and served as a reminder of the “amazing stories” in the monuments and buildings that are so near to us as we go about our days on the Close.