Reporting From Blue Ridge

I knew when I woke up to the sound of trumpets blaring this would be unlike any other day. After the little sleep I got on the bus it was almost impossible for me to roll out of bed, but I found myself at the worship service. The morning was spent singing and reflecting on what each of us could get out of this experience, it was a nice way to start the week. I spent the remainder of my morning on the porch talking to fellow delegates from other states. It was amazing that even with such different "accents" we all seemed to find some common ground. I found my way to the Blue Ridge Center (BRC) for lunch were I was surprised to find a Mexican spread in the middle of North Carolina. Shortly after lunch the whole CONA assembly headed for the Amphitheater for our Opening Ceremony. The ceremony started with a the procession of the flags and was emceed by Presiding Officer (PO) Laura Bolen. Each of our PO's gave compelling speeches of what CONA meant to them and briefly went over everyday rules and regulations.The other five PO's consist of Danielle Desaulniers, Emily Pramik, Victoria Romano, Derek Summerville, and Brian Tinsman. Once dismissed from Opening Ceremony we were sent to Proposal Sharing Groups to gather constructive criticism and then went to First Committee. We took a short break for our Italian supper. First Committee Hearings reconvened until the mixer. The mixer was hosted by the Florida Delegation and consisted of dancing and unique card matching activities. The mixer ended with a thoughtful devotional by the Massachusetts and the night ended with delegation meetings.

~The Ridge Writer