COLCHESTER, Vt. -
Sen. Bernie Sanders enlisted the help of students from across Vermont Saturday to try to solve the nation's biggest challenges.
During a roundtable discussion hosted by Vermont Public Television, essay winners from state high schools discussed possible solutions to the country's most pressing problems.
"Even if they're 16, 17 or 18, they should be thinking about all of these issues. They should be debating these issues regardless of their political point of view and I think these kids did just wonderful," Sen. Bernie Sanders said.
Sanders submitted the students' "state of the union" essays into the Congressional Record and came to Colchester to discuss their ideas.
Karolina Sowulewska, BBA Senior said, "I think it's a great opportunity that we got to meet with Sen. Sanders today and really voice our opinions."
"I think it's really valuable that we can get to talk about this with a senator and someone who really has experience in the matter of government and how these things work," said Alden Fletcher, a CVU Junior.
Though the day's focus was on national issues, Sen. Sanders told students they should pay attention to what's happening in Montpelier as well--especially the on-going health care debate in Vermont and the push towards a single-payer system.
Though some may not even be able to vote in the next election Sen. Sanders told students it's imperative that they make their voices heard.
The youngsters concede they don't have all the answers but Sanders says they have the tools and skills to find them.
