Randy Roberts Foundation

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Created with the intention of cultivating Florida's future leaders by providing public service initiatives, civic engagement opportunities & allocating resources to students who excel in these areas.

05/13/2026

On this trip, we went to the Capitol Complex. Something I really admired here was the architecture. In the plaza, there are grassy areas that make the space feel more vibrant and welcoming. The space is ginormous but it makes you want to explore every part of it. The Florida Capitol building is in the complex and you can’t miss it because of how big it is. It is a very tall, white structure with 22 stories in it. From the front, it looks like a big building in the front and then two smaller buildings in the side, however it’s all connected. Across from that is the Old Capitol. In the front, it has six white pillars next to the grand staircase entrance. Over the windows are red and white striped shutters that give the building an older feeling and it adds a pop of color to the all white building. The whole Capitol Complex is beautiful with the greenery, Florida Capitol, and Old Capitol in it and it gave me a new appreciation for the area. -Jenna, Winter Haven High School

Entering the capitol building we were greeted by the capitol rotunda. In the center of the room sits a huge bronze circle with the seal of Florida, along with five smaller seals surrounding it. Though the space about the seal is usually empty, hanging from the ceiling and wrapped around stairways on the same floor were multitudes of art pieces from children through Florida hanging from the sealing, displayed as part of the Florida legislatures children’s week. It showed me that the state government takes pride in the children of the state, displaying their work in the capitol plaza. It also brought me joy to see my county’s artwork even if I did not know who specially made each piece. The rotunda serves as a fitting entrance into the building housing our state government and it was a great sight to behold. - Alana, Polk State Collegiate

-Alana, Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School

05/11/2026

Our class had the chance to meet with Jim Boyd, and it was actually a really interesting experience. We got to talk with him and learn more about what he does as a Florida State Senator. He explained how bills move through the Senate, what his role is in representing his district, and how important it is to listen to the people he serves. He also shared a little about his background and how that shaped his path into public service. Overall, it was a great opportunity to connect what we learn in class to real-life government. Being able to ask questions and hear directly from a state senator made the whole process feel a lot more real and understandable. -Rory, Santa Fe Catholic

The civic scholars had the amazing opportunity to meet and learn from Senator Colleen Burton. Senator Burton represents district 12 which covers majority of Polk County. She discussed her community engagement and the committee’s she serves. Senator Burton also discussed her responsibilities and how she paved her way to become a Senator. The scholars enjoyed hearing the informative advice she had to offer and the challenges that come with being a Senator. Definitely a wonderful and inspiring time meeting with Senator Burton. Gioselin, Auburndale HS

05/09/2026

Jason Broduer, A stand out guy. With strong family morals and ethics he is nothing short of a leader. When I was listening to him speak on being the vice president of the senate, the duties he is tasked with are extraneous and effort demanding, he could be the president of the senate if he aspired to. One of the main takeaways I got from Senator Broduer was that in the Senate and House of Representatives, there isn’t much that could prepare you; he says “ it is better to forget about it, and experience your life” which you would then come back with that experience and hep serve, that stuck with me. -Sage, Polk State

Ben Albritton, with a focus on his blog. He expresses gratitude and identifies his best moment as "Steeping out onto the floor as president." He mentions importance of the Constitution and Florida law, with a focus on immense power. He also talked to us about fostering unity among senators, tackling issues together, and incorporating faith through coffee, Bible study, and separating oneself from workplace hardships. Albritton didn't initially want to be president but was brought to the role through prayer, clarity, and God's plan. He uses biblical principles to lead, with faith being integral to his decision-making, alongside his wife. -Peyton, Lakeland Christian School

05/08/2026

During our visit to the House Gallery we observed the process of how bills are presented and passed. It was pretty impressive to see how respectfully the members of the House treat one another. Many people imagine government debates as a constant opposition, conflict, or chaos but the atmosphere was calm and professional despite the fast-paced environment. A representative introduced the bill and briefly explained what it involved. Members then were allowed to ask questions and express any concerns or inquiries they had. Overall, the experience helped me understand that the legislative process requires cooperation, respect, and clear communication in order to function the right way. -Evelin, Lakeland HS

Watching session in the House was a political, personal, and social educational experience. It disproved many preexisting assumptions I had about the bill process and replaced them with facts I can be mindful of. My perspective has opened up and I will carry with me everything I learned from this opportunity and the people around me.
- Victoria A. Lake Wales High School

During our trip to the Florida State Capitol, we witnessed the steady buzz of the fourth floor. Its oval layout was packed with House representatives, senators, and lobbyists all moving at once, while live screens displayed what was being said in real time. To me, the floor felt almost like a behind-the-scenes control room, since it serves as the communication center for both the Florida Senate and House of Representatives, making it one of the most active and important spaces in the building. Looking around, it felt like I wasn’t just witnessing Florida’s history, but the people actively shaping it. Being in the same space as the state’s history-makers was truly inspirational and made the experience feel real and meaningful.
- Nessiah, Polk State Collegiate

05/06/2026

Representative Jennifer Canady took the time to talk to us during the most active time at Capital. She emphasized the importance of loyalty and work ethic when approaching ones career, goals, and aspirations. Additionally, she shared a beautiful message about the privilege we all have to share and experience life with one another. I held this message close throughout the rest of our trip because I had the honor to spend the day with amazing people. To add on, Canady expressed how being a Polk County resident helped shaped her into who she is and develop leadership skills. Canady’s words were direct, powerful, moving, and an inspiration to me and all my classmates. It was a great privilege to meet her during our trip. - Adilene, Mulberry HS

Jennifer Kincart Jonsson helped us better understand governmental terms by using clear analogies, that we can relate to, and sharing her personal experiences as a representative. She answered every question thoroughly, leaving us with a deeper understanding and a sense of fulfillment. Her advice is something that will stay with us throughout our careers. -Zohely, George Jenkins HS

I found Rep Josie Tomkow really inspiring as she was elected into the House at the age of 22. Currently she is running for a special election for the Florida Senate in District 14. Tomkow grew up being surrounded by agriculture, she was a 3rd-generation cattle rancher. Growing up she noticed how many people in the agriculture community did not know what was going on in the House. She took it into her own hands to make sure that the agriculture community is well advocated for in the House. -Lucas, All Saints Academy

Today I met with state representative Jennifer Kincart Jonsson. She is a mother of 3, a business owner, a community advocate, on top of being in the Florida House Of Representatives. She emphasized loyalty, integrity, and being competitive, but respectful. Her answer to a question about her favorite part of the legislative process was the people and the connections she made. Representative Jonsson credited community involvement with providing her a new perspective, bringing her to prioritizing the needs of the communities. - Ryon, Lakeland High School

05/04/2026

During our visit to the Florida Capitol we visited the Florida House of Representatives Gallery where we got to watch the Representatives in session as they voted on and discussed bills. One particular bill that stood out to me was an Education bill that creates a high school course that educates students on insurance and other things in that industry. It will allow them to apply for a license and get a job right out of high school. Quite quickly and with no debate, all representatives voted unanimously to pass the bill. Overall, the gallery was an amazing experience where I got to learn a lot about how House sessions are actually run.
- Colton, George Jenkins High School

05/01/2026

The United States obtained from Spain provinces called East and West Florida in 1821. The government of this territory would move between the two capitals of the two provinces. This trip was hard for the delegates. One even got lost at sea. They knew they needed to change this, so a compromise was put into place. This compromise would feature a place that would be the meeting place of a unified Florida, which ender up being a log cabin in Tallahassee. From 1826 to 1845 the delegates made laws in a building that was, in fact, not finished. In 1845 a version of the Old Capitol building was finished to act as the place where the lawmakers would meet. Since then, the building has been expanded and restored to the great condition it is currently in. We visited the Old Capitol building and got to learn of the history of the entire building, and how since its creation it has been restored to its current pristine condition, while still keeping aspects of its past like a museum. - Mariano, Winter Haven High School

Florida’s old Capitol is so cool! We were able to look inside both the old senate and house chambers and notice the similarities but also the slight differences. The desks in both chambers look very old and it must have been pretty difficult to hear speakers if there was chatter going on at the same time. There are 120 seats in the House of Representatives but only 40 seats in the senate. The old Capital was super interesting while also maintaining its beautiful history! - Caroline M from Lakeland Christian School

04/30/2026

Back to our Feb. 2026 Capital Classroom highlights! Civic Scholars navigated Tallahassee with energy and ease!

03/25/2026

When meeting Mr. McKeel, I learned a lot about how the budgeting system for Florida works, and how many steps the process takes. He was very friendly and helpful, and the way he explained his different fields of work was inspiring.

-Victoria S., Bartow Senior High Bartow High School.

01/29/2026

Our apologies for the unexpected program delays. Note student selections will be emailed next week. Travel details will follow once confirmations from selected students are received. Thank you for your patience.

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Washington D.C., DC

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http://www.randyrobertsfoundation.org/

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