In the first ever teleconference of its kind, students from Sweetwater High School had a live coast-to-coast interview with Congressman Bob Filner. Two dozen students from Frank Tarantino's student mentor class visiting Washington D.C. shared in a question and answer session with classmates and parents in San Diego. As the congressman and students spoke from the Capital Office Building, the local group participated from the Chula Vista Elementary District Office.

The event was a successful mixture of education, technology and emotions as the families and friends shared feelings and discussed current affairs with Representative Filner.

Sweetwater High principal Ralph Mora, who was with his students and the parents said, "The Su-Hi parents loved the teleconference. The look on the parents faces as they spoke to their children in Washington was worth it for all of us. The students came back very excited about their trip and about talking across the nation. It was a special moment that none of us will ever forget."

Dr. Dennis Doyle, Assistant Superintendent of Chula Vista Elementary District added, "What a delight it was to watch the families of the students interact with their children. They really seemed to feel connected to the experience. This is a great example of a powerful technology application that brings the family into the picture of an exciting educational experience."

Although the activity lasted only an hour, it was an unforgettable event for all involved.