Centre Debate 2000

 

Lessons in American History

Local elementary and high school students are taking every opportunity
to witness the political process first hand.

 

One year ago, more than 200 children and youth sent letters, drawings, petitions-and even a song-asking the Commission on Presidential Debates to choose Centre College as a host site. The students communicated a love of their community, confidence in Centre College, and a genuine interest in politics. The participating school systems included two public school systems (Boyle County and Danville Independent), along with Kentucky School for the Deaf. This letter-writing campaign marked the beginning of local schoolchildren's involvement in the vice presidential debate. As part of their curriculum this fall, many students are delving into American history, politics and government. It is a chance for them to witness the making of American history, and they are excited.

The VP Debate at Local Schools
Local schools are planning debate-related units in subjects from history to art and music.

In the Danville Independent Schools:

Toliver Elementary School o Art project to produce giant paper mache elephant and donkey for front lawn.

Jennie Rogers o Fire hydrant art

Hogsett Elementary o Mock campaign events

Bate Middle School o Student-produced public service ads.

Danville High School o Mock version of "Fancy Farm," Kentucky's unique political event that combines a political rally with a county fair atmosphere on Wednesday, October 4 all day. [Contact for Danville Schools: David Davis, 859-238-1300 DDavis@danville.k12.ky.us]

 

In the Boyle County Schools:

Woodlawn and Perryville Elementary Schools o Living history tour on October 5

Junction City Elementary School o "This is America-A Whistle Stop Tour" on October 2(involving all 450 members of the 450 student body, faculty, and staff).

Boyle County High School o Register seniors to vote and orient them to voting machines. [Contact for Boyle Schools: Paul Elwyn, 859-236-5047. pelwyn@Boyle.k12.ky.us]

 

At Kentucky School for the Deaf:

Leadership training for deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students. Tours of deaf education museum. Interpreters / sign-language for debate-related events. [Contact for KSD: Artie Grassman, 859-239-7017, ext. 2002. grassman@ksd.k12.ky.us]

 

- end -

[Released Oct. 3, 2000]


Staff writer: Mary Quinn Kerbaugh

Communications Office
Centre College
600 W. Walnut Street
Danville, KY 40422

Public information coordinator: Patsi Barnes Trollinger
Telephone 859-238-5719 - trllngrp@centre.edu

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