HELENA, Mont. — Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen visited with members of the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership High School Program this week during the group’s visit to the State Capitol.

Secretary Jacobsen explained the roles of the secretary of state, discussed the various divisions in the office, and outlined numerous highlights from the SOS Office – the 2022 midterm elections, record business registration, and how she cut registration fees in half for Montana businesses.

Students also had an opportunity to ask Secretary Jacobsen questions, and each student was given a United States/Montana Constitution.

“It’s great to see programs like the Leadership High School Program in the Great Falls area,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “It’s important for our Montana youth to be actively engaged in learning about our government, especially during a Legislative Session. I applaud the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce for their work with this program and thank them for bringing students to the State Capitol.”

Members of the program also heard from Lt. Governor Kristen Juras and were introduced on the House Floor by Rep. Fred Anderson, R-Great Falls, in the afternoon. 

According to the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce website, the Leadership High School Program is intended to “build up, educate, and mentor both existing and potential high school leaders by facilitating community exposure and involvement for the betterment of Great Falls and the surrounding area.” Participating schools include: Great Falls High School, C.M. Russell High School, Paris Gibson Education Center, Great Falls Central Catholic High School, Foothills Community Christian School, Highwood High School, Simms High School, Centerville High School, and Cascade High School.

For more information on the program, individuals may contact Scott Wolff (swolff@greatfallschamber.org) or visit the program’s website online (https://www.greatfallschamber.org/leadership-high-school/).