On Monday, September 22, students gathered in the library during One Lunch to listen to a speech given by Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer. The visit was organized by junior Marissa Vanegas, who is the president of both Politics for Teens and Young Republicans.

Dyer spoke about a number of issues, including the need for unity in a divided time in American politics and the importance of getting involved in politics at an early stage. He also spent time discussing his own experiences with politics and encouraged students to get involved at a young age. Dyer began his journey into politics early in life, when he joined the Marine Corps in his last year of high school. From there, he became a physical therapist, ran for city council, and eventually, in 2018, was elected mayor of Virginia Beach. 

While he acknowledged that being mayor has presented some challenges, such as navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, he described his job as a labor of love, adding that it is not really him who makes Virginia Beach the city it is, but the people of the city. 

In his speech to students, Dyer emphasized the importance of political unity, especially in this time in American politics. He shared that despite being a Republican, he has worked with Democratic politicians in the past, and thinks communication across party lines is extremely important.

The message about the need for political unity was one shared by students. “It’s not healthy to have two separate parties,” explained Vanegas, “because eventually you’re not going to be able to work together at all.” Hallberg agreed with this message, explaining, “Even though we may not like his political views, it is important to get to know what he is doing with our community because that impacts us.”

Additionally, Vanegas emphasized the importance of students participating in political events and remaining informed about politics.   “I think it is very important that all students know about local politics,” she explained. Additionally, she said that even if students do not know much about politics, it is essential that they participate in events like these. Vanegas emphasized that gaining knowledge about local politics is important, even for those who are not of voting age. 

Junior Bryce Hallberg, who is the current president of the Young Democrats club at PA, agreed that it was crucial for Dyer to speak. “It’s important to know what laws and policies impact us. Even at our young age, I think it’s very important to be well-versed in politics.” 

Students had a number of reasons for coming to listen to Dyer speak. “I’m in Boy Scouts of America,” explained freshman Robert Heron, who arrived at the library early to stake out his seat for the event. “I’ve heard him speak before, and I guess I wanted to hear what he has to say five or six years later.” 

Some students had more specific issues in mind. “I’ve met him before and he’s a cool guy, but I’d like to hear him talk more about the Board of Education and things regarding our school,” shared Lili Couture, an IB junior.

With the current rising political violence in America, Hallberg elaborated on the idea that the need for party unity is especially strong. “No one appreciates political violence, and I think that we all wish we could get along together, but that has to come from within.”

Besides attending events such as this, Hallberg and  Vanegas agreed that there are other ways for students to get involved in politics. “Get on a campaign,” Vanegas advised. “Get involved in either a state delegate campaign or a Congress campaign.” Hallberg agreed, adding, “I don’t think you are ever going to get pushed down from a campaign.”