ACHS Hosts First Debate Watch Party
While Trump and Clinton begin to reveal their opposing ideas through a series of national debates this fall, ACHS had its first live-streamed watch party take place Monday night.
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Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton shake hands during the presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., Monday, Sept. 26, 2016.
As one of the most influential elections quickly approaches, the first 2016 Presidential Debate took place on Monday, September 26, kickstarting the discussion of controversial topics between the two opposing candidates. The thoughts of Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton were not only viewed by many around their family TV or computer, but through a live-streaming in the Idea Center here at ACHS.
Introduced by social studies teacher Andrew Ehrhardt, Monday evening’s debate party was opened up to those on the attendance roster for the school’s 2017 Washington D.C. Inauguration Trip. In an effort to introduce students to what they may hear on the frigid morning of the live Inauguration speech this winter, Ehrhardt thought it a useful and exciting opportunity to offer the event as the election nears.
“I think if they are actively watching these debates as high school students, the political engagement will continue to grow as they go into adulthood,” Ehrhardt said.
Not only was the live entertainment proposed to formulate team bonding and a meet-and-greet of those attending, but it helped fulfill the new law in the state of Illinois to introduce civic engagement within schools.
“With the new initiative, I wanted to engage in the movement to bringing civics back into the classroom,” Ehrhardt said.
While trying to make the “civic engagement” more active and interesting, attendees were provided with pizza and an open atmosphere of discussion throughout the two-hour debate. Among many of those who were present, senior Emily Voykin explained how the party was an effective way to get to know those attending and share different political points of view.
“I met a lot of people that I didn’t know were even considering going on the trip,” Voykin said. “It was great to be able to watch the candidates together as a group because we will be seeing one of them, in person, in just a few months.”
Although the debates have just begun, there are plans for at least two more watch parties for those taking part in the Inauguration Trip, continuing the establishment of constructive learning and civic participation among our own Sequoits at Antioch Community High School.