During December, Holley High School’s Current Events class held a series of mock presidential debates before determining a final winner. Students were assigned the roles of presidential candidates, presidential advisors or moderators. The candidates worked with their advisors to prepare for each debate.
The Republicans endured three rounds of debates, while the Democrats had one, due to the number of candidates running. Debate times, restricted to one class period each day, took place upon the availability of the Middle School/High School Auditorium; students from other classes made up the audience. Students voted on their cell phones to determine the winner of each debate. The moderators played an important role in breaking any ties in voting.
Current Events Teacher Nick D’Amuro invited the Holley faculty and staff to watch the series of debates. He was pleased with the support from them as well as the students. “I am so happy to hear students, who aren’t even in my class, talking politics around me,” said D’Amuro. “I am so excited that our students are going above and beyond to discuss the current political climate.”
District Superintendent Robert D’Angelo agrees. “Nick and his students did an outstanding job with each and every debate,” said D’Angelo. “I was very proud to attend them and was impressed with the number of students and staff in the audience each time. This activity was a perfect example of authentic instruction and learning. I am confident that our students’ knowledge of both the political issues surrounding this presidential election as well as our political process have been greatly enhanced by these debates.”
Sophomore Matt DeSimone portrayed Republican Senator Ted Cruz and went up against senior Ross Pinson as Democratic Governor Martin O’Malley in the final round. They discussed issues such as immigration, gay rights, terrorism, national debt, gun laws, health care, the middle class, jobs and religion. Moderator Mikala Smith, a senior, kept the candidates on task while D’Amuro kept track of time.
The final winner, DeSimone, earned 67 votes against Pinson’s 37 votes. “The students in our district tend to lean towards the ideals of Cruz on several subjects,” said D’Amuro. “I expected Ross to have a hard time convincing them, but he wanted to meet the challenge head-on. I am so pleased with both of their performances and their rebuttals to each other. I think both of them could end up serving in public office if they wanted to go that route.”
For more information, contact Communications Specialist Beth Nash at 349-9028 or email bnash@monroe2boces.org.
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