Photo by Celine Castronuovo

Senator Bill Nelson stands onstage and addresses the crowd at a luncheon on Friday, Aug. 28. Eight Dreyfoos seniors and two teachers were able to attend the event.

The sound of knives and forks against plates were silenced as people turned their chairs to listen to Florida Senator Bill Nelson begin his speech at a luncheon on Friday, Aug. 28 held at the Kravis Center. Eight Dreyfoos seniors attended this event.

Sen. Nelson began with his own personal experience from his trip to space in 1986. He described being unable to see all of the political and religious differences that exist in the United States from the shuttle. This issue of partisanship in politics was a main focus of his speech, as well as his support of the recently proposed Iran nuclear deal.

“It was an extraordinary experience to be present with him, talking about topics such as future policies and political views, rather than reading about it in the textbook,” theatre senior Jamie Salinger said.

Salinger, who is also president of the Dreyfoos chapter of the National History Honor Society, was selected to pose a question to Sen. Nelson, asking him about any advice he would give to his 17-year-old self.

“Follow your passion,” Sen. Nelson said, stressing how important it is to get involved and to give back to the community.

The luncheon, hosted by the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, held a table for Dreyfoos students.

Salinger, theatre senior Peter Palmero, piano senior Laura Bomeny, dance senior Ashley Simpson, band senior Ethan Weatherdon, digital media seniors Bennett Ragan and Keel Condy and strings senior Celine Castronuovo attended with social studies teachers Tom West and Sara Stout. Mr. West selected students to attend based on excellence in their Advanced Placement U.S. Government class, as well as by the leadership positions some held in NHHS.

“[I hoped students would] gain an appreciation for the global picture,” Mr. West said. “The problems in the world are not just black and white. There are gray areas.”