Eight 8th graders from Cherokee Middle School had the honor of attending the "8th Grade Day at the Capitol" event sponsored by First Lady Jessica Doyle. Cherokee was one of 10 schools from across the state participating in the November event that provided 8th graders with the opportunity to watch state government in action and meet with and ask questions of their local elected state representative and senator.

Jessica Doyle, a former Cherokee Middle School learning coordinator, told the assembled students she believed, "there should be more opportunities for middle school students to find out about state government," noting that 4th graders spend an entire year learning about Wisconsin and high school students have different options to learn about state government. The day's activities included meeting with the governor, watching debate in the Senate and Assembly, talking to their elected representatives and meeting with state Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson.

Cherokee's Brenda Gonzalez had the distinctive honor of introducing Gov. Jim Doyle to the nearly 100 students and chaperones gathered in the ceremonial Governor's Conference room. In her brief remarks Gonzalez said, "Governor Doyle has said putting kids first is his number one priority. An example of Governor Doyle's commitment to children was finding a way to add funding for public schools at a time when finances were tight. As a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, a great father, a former teacher, a basketball player and fan, Governor Doyle is a fantastic leader for our state."

When Gov. Doyle asked students if they had questions for him, Lydia Wegert of Cherokee asked Doyle to name the biggest challenge faced by the state. Doyle responded that as the state's economy changes, we have to ensure that there are high-paying jobs in the future. He believed if students worked hard in middle and high school, then the state should be a partner with families and working students to help pay for post secondary education. Doyle also said during his first term in office financial aid for college students had doubled.

Brenda Gonzalez finishes her introduction of Gov. Doyle to nearly 100 students and chaperones participating in the "8th Grade Day at the Capitol."

Gov. Jim Doyle spoke about the importance of education and the need for high-quality jobs for Wisconsin's future.

Cherokee students and staff join the Governor and First Lady Jessica Doyle for a picture in the Governor's private office.