FOR AMANDA GELENDER, testifying before state senators in Sacramento last month was a thrill she will never forget. And perhaps the legislators she addressed felt the same way, as the Castro Valley High School junior brought a jolt of infectious energy to the proceedings, said Glenn Backes, director of health policy for Drug Policy Alliance. Praising the 17-year-old for her composure and intelligence, Backes added that Gelender's enthusiasm re-engaged legislators on the Education Commitee who "were starting to drift" after hours of testimony. [continues 516 words]
For Amanda Gelender, testifying before state senators in Sacramento last month was a thrill she will never forget. And perhaps the legislators she addressed felt the same way, as the Castro Valley High School junior brought a jolt of infectious energy to the proceedings, said Glenn Backes, director of health policy of Drug Policy Alliance. Praising the 17-year-old for her composure and intelligence, Backes added that Gelender's enthusiasm re-engaged legislators on the Education Commitee who "were starting to drift" after hours of testimony. [continues 516 words]
