It wasn’t CNN, nor was it a televised debate; but a recent assembly at Monroe Township Middle School brought the energy, drama, and politics of the current presidential election alive for its students.
On Friday, Oct. 28, sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students representing the Democratic, Republican, Green and Independent parties’ presidential and vice presidential candidates spoke to the student body in a carefully-choreographed presentation in the Marasco Performing Arts Center.
A long-held tradition at the Monroe middle school, the speeches were part of a larger simulated presidential election, which has been held every four years since the 1980s. More than simply an activity where students pick their favorite candidate, the activity puts students in a leadership role, and gives them all a first-hand look at the functioning of the electoral college.
In September, students interested in representing this year’s candidates completed a lengthy application, sample speech, and quiz on knowledge of the candidates. Selected students then worked with members of the MTMS social studies department to craft speeches that presented the candidates’ policies, while also incorporating a bit of their personalities as well.
At the assembly, the candidates spoke to a large crowd in the patriotically decorated performing arts center. Each candidate was flanked by “Secret Service agents,” student volunteer dressed in suits and wearing dark sunglasses. After a spirited entrance and then cordial shaking of hands, the candidates addressed the crowd of middle school students and teachers.
Seventh-grade student Lyndsey Sheiner, representing Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine, was the first of the candidates to speak. She explained her party’s view on the economy and environment and concluded by saying, “We the people need a leader and even the leader needs help, and that is included in my job.”
Ms. Sheiner’s speech paved the way for the introduction of Hillary Clinton, played by eight-grader Vinisha Patel. Sixth-grade student Ayaan Bohra introduced Mrs. Clinton, saying, “Hillary Clinton believes little girls should grow up in an America where they can be whatever they want to be — including the president of the U.S.A.” Ms. Patel presented the Democrat’s platform, describing Mrs. Clinton’s positions on national security, homeland security and gun control. “If you are too dangerous to get on a plane, you are too dangerous to buy a gun in America.”
Following the Democrats, the Republicans took the stage. Sixth-grader Soham Bari introduced the two candidates. Seventh-grader Chris Bizzarro represented vice presidential candidate Mike Pence. “Your democratic right is a privilege, a responsibility, a freedom. Surrendering this right goes against the Founding Fathers’ dream for America.”
Following Mr. Bizzarro, eighth-grader Owen Dougherty rose to represent Republican Donald Trump. Mr. Dougherty had studied his candidate, effectively mimicking Mr. Trump’s speaking pattern and hand gestures. He announced slowly and dramatically, “We need to build a wall.”
After the two major parties spoke, both the Libertarian and Green parties were invited to present their platforms. Eighth-grader Anamika Rao introduced the Libertarian party candidates, providing insight into their education and family lives.
Seventh-grader Cassidy Sheiner spoke for Bill Weld, the Libertarian vice presidential candidate. Acknowledging her party’s lesser-known position in America’s largely two-party system, Ms. Sheiner said, “The third party is the way to go! Vote for Gary Johnson and Bill Weld.”
Eighth-grader Thiago Andrade, as presidential candidate Gary Johnson, added to the effort to persuade students to consider a third party. He concluded his speech by comparing himself to the two major party candidates, “So who will you be voting for? The man who wants to put a wall between one culture and another? The woman who wants to wage a war with Syria? Or the governor who knows what he is doing?”
The final political party to speak to the auditorium filled with students and staff was the Green party. Eighth-grader Jillian O’Connell provided introductions to both candidates. Seventh-grader Tanvi Sivakumar spoke as Ajamu Baraka, with a thorough and well-researched presentation of the Green party’s traditional priorities. “To solve the everlasting issue of the world, I would like to use my motto: the three E’s: environment, efficiency, and economy. These words cause a chain reaction in many different ways.”
Concluding the speeches was a speech by eighth-grader Audrey Chen as Jill Stein. She generated huge applause from the students when articulating Ms. Stein’s position on standardized testing and public education. “High stakes testing also puts pressure on teachers, and may push them to only teach their students how to pass tests instead of giving them enriching lessons.”
Earlier this month, all students were given the opportunity to complete a modified voter registration form. Those who completed the form were eligible to vote during lunch on Tuesday Nov. 1.
The results of the vote will be announced in a school-wide assembly on Monday, Nov. 7, which will be attended by Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro.
