In the News

By Mike Shaw
January 30, 2012
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CHRISTIANSBURG —  Republican U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, who represents Blacksburg as part of the 9th District, took some time out of his busy schedule Thursday to speak with the Class of 2012 at Christiansburg High School.

About 100 seniors filed into the Christiansburg auditorium to hear what Griffith had to say.

In a brief message to the students, Griffith made a connection with Christiansburg students when he told a story about his friend Del. Greg Habeeb, R-Salem. Habeeb is a Christiansburg High alumnus who represents the 8th District, including portions of Montgomery County. Griffith then opened the floor to students for questions.

Many of the students’ questions addressed issues that would directly impact their future such as unemployment, student loan relief, Stop Online Piracy Act, dependency on foreign oil and minimum wage.

“It’s extremely important that these students understand that I’m their congressman, too,” Griffith said. “My mother was a teacher, and she wanted to get her students involved, but politicians didn’t realize that they’re their constituents, too.”

Andrew Bradshaw, junior class president, made closing remarks and then presented a gift to Griffith on behalf of Christiansburg High School.

Bradshaw, who wants to be a politician, said he cares about what’s going on with the countryand about making sure the United States is on solid ground going into the future.

“Coming to events like this is important because our opinions are still being formed,” Bradshaw said. “It’s important to hear what he has to say because our interests are his interests, too.”

Griffith was scheduled to speak at Auburn High School Thursday afternoon, but had to reschedule because of an expansion and job announcement in Galax. Griffith said he is in the process of rescheduling that event for next week.