By Lauren Childers and Greta Ziegler
Minarets High School’s 2018 Annual Showcase was truly exceptional. There were many creative and professional presentations from students across campus to display for all of the community to see. One of these presentations was created by Government and AP Government students: the 2018 Election Guide. Mr. Robert Kelly had lots to say about this Election Guide and the purpose it served at the Showcase this year in a small interview gathered with him.
Question- Why did you want your government students to make an election guide?
Mr. Robert Kelly- “Most adults in the United States, if they vote, are not fully prepared to vote. I wanted the students to see how easy it was to gather information so that when they go to vote, they can be fully prepared. I also wanted the students to create a resource for their community.”
Question- How does the election guide fit in with what they are currently or will learn in their government classes?
Mr. Robert Kelly- “The election guide is a great way for students to understand federalism and the levels of government in a real world way.”
Question- What do you hope the parents and adults will take away from the election guide?
Mr. Robert Kelly- “They will see how easy it is to gather this information so that when they go to vote or consider voting, they can see the information in an educational manner. Also so that they can see how good the students are at putting together these websites.”
Question- Why are you having your Pre-APUSH students interview adults about what are things every American should know?
Mr. Robert Kelly- “One of the themes in Pre-APUSH is the idea that there are issues that every American should know. I wanted them to see what the public thinks of when asked what every American should know and how to use it in the real world.”
The Election Guide surely served the purpose that it expected to and exceeded the expectations for the entire night. Many parents stopped by to see just what exactly the students had created. Minarets Press got the opportunity to hear opinions from some of the parents who stopped by as well. Denise Garcia was very interested in what she saw with the election guide, stating: “Meuser is inexperienced. I was surprised he didn’t have as many supporters as the other candidate.”
While the teachers and parents were a major factor in the event, the students are what made it happen. Many students had the opportunity to present in Mr. Robert Kelly’s Showcase room. This is what a few students had to say about the experience:
“Before this, I didn’t know of the candidates. Now I know who they are, what party they are, and where they stand on certain issues.” -Bryana Barajas
“I liked how we were able to research not only what they are doing in their campaigns but what they have done in their past.” - Amanda Anderson
“I learned what is going on in the political scene and how to better prepare myself for upcoming elections in the future.” - Casper Nelson
It sure seems like the Election Guide was a learning experience for all, teachers and students especially. Here at Minarets, we are proud of all of the work that the students have put into this Showcase, and we are even more hopeful for what next year’s Showcase will bring.
