JEFFERSON CITY — I am always honored to have interns serving the 21st District in the State Capitol. This legislative session, we have three new faces among our office staff.

Taiylor Llewellyn of Odessa is the daughter of Ronda and Terry Carter. She is a sophomore at the University of Central Missouri, seeking a degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice. Taiylor takes part in many campus activities and organizations, including Delta Zeta Sorority, Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society, Students of Political Action and Pre-Law Student Association. Upon graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in family law.

Alesia Thone Hill, from Jefferson City, is the daughter of Lesa Carnes and Randy Hill. She is a senior at Lincoln University in Missouri, majoring in English – Creative Writing. Alesia is involved in the Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society and the Lincoln Honors Program. This spring, she will be awarded the Cecil A. Blue Award in poetry. She has several forthcoming and recently published poems appearing in various outlets, including The Columbia College Review, The Lindenwood Review and The Measure. Alesia is also editor-in-chief of the literary magazine, Selkie, and has served as an editor on Lincoln University’s Arts & Letters. After graduation, she would like to attend an MFA program in Creative Writing and pursue a career in higher education teaching or publishing.

Drew Mreen, a Kansas City native, is the son of Rosemary and Richard Mreen. He is a senior at the University of Missouri–Columbia, working toward a Finance, Banking and Real Estate degree. Drew is involved in several campus organizations, including FarmHouse Fraternity and the Mizzou Student Foundation. He was recognized earlier this year as a recipient of the Mizzou ’39, an award given to the top 39 seniors at the university by the Mizzou Alumni Association. Upon graduation, he plans to return to Kansas City to start his career with Cerner, an international health technology corporation.

We are excited to have such wonderful and enthusiastic interns this session and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work and dedication to the people of the 21st District.

During this intern program, college students have the opportunity to work closely with the staff and myself by helping address constituent concerns, and attending legislative sessions and hearings. Interns also give tours of the Capitol building, write and edit news releases and research issues that affect citizens of the 21st District.

For anyone interested in applying for a legislative internship with the office of the 21st District, or simply a one-day job shadow experience, please go to www.senate.mo.gov/pearce,  and click on “Apply to be an intern,” under Constituent Services to fill out an application. One-day job shadowing opportunities are also open to high school students who wish to learn more about state government.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.