Students in Mr. Cecala’s Current Affairs and Debate class will be participating in a mock election campaign.  With the upcoming presidential election taking place this November, the history department is figuring out new ways to teach students about politics in and out of the classroom. Students get the chance to take a Current Affairs and Debate history elective during their senior year. The students will be creating campaign posters and informational videos, giving speeches on the candidate’s behalf, and creating a social media following to strengthen their campaign. This campaigning will all eventually lead up to a mock election a few days prior to the national election on November 8th. Madison Dodger Online (MDO) got the chance to ask the MHS alum turned history teacher, Mr. Cecala.

(MDO): Have you done this project before?

(JC): No I have not. I was not teaching during the previous election.

(MDO): What is the objective for this project?

(JC): The objective is to create an effective and efficient campaign that spreads the message of their candidate and encourages Madison High School to get out and vote in our mock election.

(MDO): How are you setting up this project?

(JC): Our class will be split into three groups: Republicans, Democrats, and a TBD third party (editor’s note: Gary Johnson was selected as the third party candidate). The third party will have less group members as it will help to illustrate how difficult it is for a third party to compete in our two party system. Each group will be responsible for orchestrating a campaign and develop creative methods to reach a large audience. Students have been given a series of tasks they can accomplish for points and the campaign with the most points at the end of the project will win a pizza party. And after all pizza is what really makes this country great.

(MDO): What are you trying to accomplish with this project?

(JC): The goal of this project is for students to become familiar with the process and the difficulties of running a campaign, while making all of Madison High School aware of the issues and the policies of our nation’s candidates.

(MDO): What can other students expect from this type of campaign project?

(JC): Students not involved in Current Affairs and Debate can expect to be part of the process as well. They will most likely be approached by our campaigners to participate in public opinion polls, discussions on the issues, and of course being encouraged to vote in our mock election.

(MDO): Do you think that you would ever do this type of project during the next election?

(JC): If all goes well and I anticipate that it will, I plan on doing something similar for the Gubernatorial election next year and then again for the 2020 election.

(MDO): Any other questions or comments?

(JC): Faculty, Staff and Students of MHS: We will also be live tweeting each Presidential debate and we would love to have everyone be a part of the discussion. This election will greatly impact all of us and it is important for you to be informed.

Check out updates from the (mock) campaign trail in the front lobby display case, around the hallways, and on twitter (@CecalaMHS). Special thanks to Mr. Cecala for taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions.