A recent graduate of Jemison High School was hired as a campaign staff member for Congressman Spencer Bachus.

Cameron Elkins, member of the Class of 2009 and a student at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., began working in the nation’s capital in July.

Elkins is studying government and international policy and eventually aims to work with the CIA or the State Department — preferably in foreign relations.

“I feel that this is giving me the right experience I need, especially if I enter politics later on,” he said.

Elkins’ interest in politics began in his sophomore year of high school, when he started attending political events with his parents.

At one dinner, he met Gov. Bob Riley. Soon, he started getting invitations to other events.

The summer after his junior year, Elkins went to Washington, D.C. and met Sen. Jeff Sessions. There he had the opportunity to observe the senator’s responsibilities.

“I had been to Washington before,” he said, noting that he has a family member who lives there.

Upon graduating from high school, Elkins had a strong backing from Riley and State Sen. Hank Erwin for his new position.

As a campaign staff member, his primary duties entail contacting major companies and past supporters of Bachus, compiling contact lists and keeping the Congressman informed.

Meanwhile, Elkins is learning to speak Hebrew as part of his undergraduate requirements.

“I’ve always been real interested in Israel and Jerusalem and the Middle East in particular, and I love to travel and see different cultures,” he said.

Elkins is the son of Kenneth Elkins and Judy Elkins.