WOODBRIDGE — Seventh-grade students at Avenel Middle School may have given Mayor John E. McCormac a run for his money during the presentation of their mock mayoral campaigns.
“I’m glad the election was two weeks ago,” McCormac told the students after their campaign presentations on Nov. 20.
McCormac, who has served as mayor since 2006, was re-elected to another term on Nov. 3.
His comments brought laughter to the crowd, which also included Third Ward Councilman Cory Spillar, whose daughter was part of the project, and some other parents of the students.
McCormac said he was glad to see that each mayoral candidate introduced their team.
“Without your team, you are absolutely nothing,” he said.
With the support of Principal Joseph Short and Vice Principal Thomas Leusen, Maria Anan, language arts teacher, and David Caplette, social studies teacher, combined their classes, made of 34 students, to develop “A Tale of Two Classes: A Path to Public Service,” which is a first for the school.
“This project is truly extraordinary to watch as our students develop their freethinking skills,” said Anan.
The project is an innovative program that provides seventh-grade students with a diverse academic learning experience incorporating, social studies, language arts, technology, business, communication and leadership skills.
Last month, McCormac met with the students for an information session to discuss the components to running a political campaign through print and media advertising.
After the session, students collaborated as teams to develop their own media blitz in a mock mayoral campaign.
They delved into local issues, which included pot holes and road issues, crime and safety, drainage issues, pet adoption, and created a cohesive campaign through iMovies and designed lawn signs to convey their political platforms.
Anan and Caplette said they enjoyed seeing their students grow by working on the campaigns as a team.
“It built up their confidence levels,” Anan said.
Caplette said the students showed excitement with the project. The students not only had to work together, but also adapt and overcome to the ups and downs of the use of technology, he said.
Student Fatima Razi said she liked the project.
“It developed our team-building skills … everyone was a leader,” she said.
Student Emmaley El-Shalkh said the project was fun.
And although there were disagreements, El-Shalkh said the best part was working with her friends.
Anan and Caplette said they look forward to continuing their partnership for years to come. Caplette said with the presidential election next year, the students may develop presidential campaigns.