High School Students Hold Mock Presidential Debate on Oct. 19

9 years ago

HIALEAH GARDENS, FL – On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, the auditorium at Mater Academy Middle High will be transformed into the 2016 presidential forum. Beginning at 8:00 a.m., students playing the part of presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Gary Johnson, Jill Stein, Donald Trump, and their running mates, will take the stage for an all-candidate debate. The campus is located at 7901 NW 103 Street in Hialeah Gardens.

Aremi Velasco, Sara Morales, and Natalie Rodriguez hold up their Green Party sign. Sara will be Jill Stein at the mock debate, Aremi will portray the Green Party’s vice presidential candidate, Ajamu Baraka.

For months, these students – all seniors – have been doing their research on the candidates they’re representing. They have prepared speeches, launched media campaigns – including creating elaborate, hand-made signs with their campaign teams, and have become fully versed on their candidate’s stance on various issues. “This assignment has forced us to focus on policy issues,” explains Sara Morales, 17, who has been assigned to be candidate Jill Stein. “We are not permitted to bring up rumors or anything sensational during debates so we have all concentrated on really understanding our candidate’s, and opponents’, platforms. Once the sensational noise is turned off, you can really get to know a candidate.”

Natalie Hernandez and Amanda Pulido will represented Tim Kaine and Hillary Clinton during the mock presidential debate at Mater Academy. The students have also volunteered at the Clinton/Kaine campaign office in Miami.

A large percentage of these students are Hispanic and although they aren’t old enough to vote, all are excited about the electoral process and the role citizen play in it. Some of the students – like Natalia Hernandez and Amanda Pulido [pictured] – have also volunteered at local campaign offices. “I’ve really enjoyed this project and volunteering at a campaign office,” explains Natalia. “I liked going door-to-door educating voters.”

Alberto Arevalo has watched hours of Trump speeches, and researched the candidates’ position on various issues to prepare for the debate. He stands over a banner the student Trump/Pence campaign team created for the mock presidential debate and election.

(left to right) *Abdelh Robles and Randy Bonilla will represent the Libertarian Party’s William Weld and Gary Johnson at the mock debate.*

On November 3 and 4, middle and high school students at Mater Academy will cast their mock vote for president.

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About Mater Academy: Mater Academy, a public charter school, is comprised of 95% minority and 73% economically disadvantaged students. The school has been recognized among the nation’s top 500 high schools by U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek Magazine, and also ranks among the top schools in the state because of its high graduation rate, academic performance, and successful dual enrollment program. The campus is located at 7901 NW 103 Street in Hialeah Gardens.

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