Michael Schreiber, a Masuk High School senior, is passionate about national politics and he has his sights set on the White House.
"I want to start out in business, then go into politics," he said. "I want to become the first Jewish president, probably on the Republican or Libertarian ticket."
Schreiber enjoys lunch table debates with friends and talking politics with his father, both got his mother interested in government affairs.
"I've been interested in politics since the 2008 election," Schreiber said. "Now I have to get my sister interested in politics and away from MTV, and get her to watch CNBC, NBC and FOX."
During his junior year, Masuk required his class to undertake a Capstone Project, in which students shadow someone to learn about their profession, then write a paper and do a presentation before a panel on what they learned.
Schreiber chose to shadow First Selectman Steve Vavrek. He met with the first selectman for a total of 20 hours, and on Feb. 7, the day before the blizzard, Schreiber was in Vavrek's town hall office for his last two-and-a-half.
Learning the Job
"I've enjoyed it," Schreiber said of his time spent with Vavrek. "I went on economic development trips where he introduced himself to the people. We went downstairs and saw the police construction project."
Vavrek said he showed Schreiber different sections of town, because people often do not realize all Monroe has to offer.
"He's got first hand knowledge of what's needed," Vavrek said. "It's been a very good process for me also. I think it's a great way to get people involved in the community. Plus he's a good kid."
Schreiber said he's had fun and enjoyed his time shadowing the first selectman.
"I was surprised how extensive his job is, how much he has to cover," Schreiber said. "He's doing a magnificent job from what I can tell."
Schreiber offered some constructive criticism of the Capstone Project, expressing his belief that it should have started with sophomores, rather than juniors.
"I think they're trying to have us do this to see what we want to do," he said. "There are merits to it. I just thought the time wasn't the best."
