SPRINGVILLE -- In a school named after a conservative icon, it seemed appropriate that students got a good dose of the stuff on Wednesday night.

Kids and their parents from the Ronald Reagan Academy were warned that they must be active participants in the political process. Clearly targeting the ethics initiative that is gathering signatures to get on the ballot next year, state Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Eagle Mountain, pleaded with attendees.

"It is your responsibility to read the referendums," he said. "Learn what they say."

Madsen was joined by U.S. Senate candidates Tim Bridgewater and Attorney General Mark Shurtleff as well as Gov. Gary Herbert to give short speeches before handling a bevy of questions from students at the school.

Students like Kristian Huff ranged in political ambition from consistent voters to election day victors.

"I have many ideas about how America could be better run," said Huff, who wants to be a mayor some day.

Kristina Touhy doesn't have her political sights set quite as high, but did pledge with others in the room to Herbert that they would always vote.

"I'd rather just vote and live a normal family life," she said.

The student-organized event is in its second year at the school.

"Part of taking responsibility is supporting the candidates that we believe in," said Kaili Anderton. "The country is only as good as the people that lead it and we are the people that lead."

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