Superintendent’s Spotlight: Vidar Hageman, Warwick Valley High School
Vidar Hageman is in the Superintendent’s Spotlight
You may have already met Warwick Valley High School junior Vidar Hageman in the weeks leading up to the midterm elections.
He knocked on a lot of Warwick doors this past autumn, canvassing for a NY State Senate candidate, logging more than 40 volunteer hours during the campaign, talking issues, answering questions, and encouraging people to vote. At 17 he was unable to cast a ballot of his own, but that wasn’t going to keep him on the sidelines.
“There was an opportunity to flip the State Senate,” says Vidar. “While I was working on the campaign I felt like I was doing something bigger than myself, and I really like that feeling.”
So when his candidate, Jen Metzger, won, she invited him to speak at her swearing in ceremony. He read a poem by Miller Williams, “Of History and Hope,” composed by Williams for Bill Clinton’s inauguration.
“I want to go into politics, and to do something that serves as many people as possible. ” says Vidar. “I know a lot of people believe that you have to work outside the system to make change happen, but I believe in our system of government. It’s pretty amazing. I believe we need to work within that system to make sure it’s as effective as possible.”
Vidar is concerned about wasteful government spending and corruption and has a keen interest in foreign policy. He doesn’t yet have a firm career path in mind – he says he might seek public office, or maybe he’ll work as a campaign manager or policy advisor. He’s looking at colleges now and plans to major in political science with a minor in pre-law or history. At Warwick Valley High School he’s president of the junior class, a member of Youth in Government, a member of Model U.N., and is an accomplished athlete.
“I think government should help you become independent so you’re able to pursue life, liberty, and happiness,” he said. “We all deserve an opportunity to achieve our goals.”
Each week, Warwick Valley Central School District Superintendent Dr. David Leach shines the “The Superintendent’s Spotlight” on one of Warwick Valley’s amazing students. “Superintendent’s Spotlight” features students who reach goals, face challenges, and are role models to their peers.