06/03/13 Indiana University junior, Bryt Hiatt, only has a few days under his belt as an intern working under Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter, but his interest in politics is nothing new. Hiatt said he emailed Senter asking if any intern positions were available and immediately got the return call and an interview.
Hiatt is majoring in Political Science at IU. While a student at Plymouth High School. Hiatt competed for four years on the PHS Speech and Debate Team in United States Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu, Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Congress. Among other awards and wins, Hiatt was the state champion in both US Extpempt and Impromptu in his senior year. Additionally, he advanced to the semi-finals in US Extempt at the NFL National tournament. In US Extempt, competitors research current events prior to competition and then chose a random topic during competition and are challenged to give a seven-minute speech with only a 30-minute preparation time.
Hiatt said, “I am really excited about interning in Plymouth this summer. “ He pointed to Utilities Department and the Riverpark projects as examples of city projects in the works. Hiatt said his unpaid internship is of great value to his education. He said, “Textbooks aren’t reality. Watching local government is real life.”
“I know Plymouth and I love the city.” Hiatt said. He credits his parents with giving him a good perspective of the community. His father, Barry Hiatt, is with the city’s Water Department and his mother, Nicole Hiatt-Drang, is a social worker at Bowen Center.
He also shared his appreciation for former PHS teacher Alison Hargrove. He said, “Mrs. Hargrove taught me the difference that one person can make.’
Hiatt has volunteered on a few political campaigns, including that of Jackie Walorski in 2010 and the IU Public Interest Group in 2012. He said, “I liked working with groups, but feel that non-elected government work is a better fit for me in the future.” Hiatt said he would like to work at the state government level and hopes to have an internship at the State House next summer.
