Student-Run Political Forum Gains Traction
A project run by SHP seniors Ava Borchers and Sofie Wheeler that began as only a few presentations has grown to include nearly 20
From creating podcasts for a national audience to Zooming live presentations to founding an org to fight polarization and more, a bipartisan group of Sacred Heart Prep students have been admirably preparing the Sacred Heart high school community for today's historic election by covering the issues, the people, the platforms, and the processes that make up our national election system. And though most are not old enough to cast a ballot this time around, they are focused on helping ensure their fellow SHP students are "all in" on tonight's historic election as well as future participation in America's democracy. Taking it to the "next level," the following students are capitalizing on their burgeoning activism and political interests, securing even greater opportunities to make a difference for this and future generations. This is story three of three.
Over the past four weeks, SHP seniors Ava Borchers and Sofie Wheeler together have organized and overseen a dozen student political discussions and counting in an open, live Zoom forum.
The project began as only a few presentations, but interest quickly grew; the lively, well-researched presentations were well attended by an audience of students, faculty, and staff, eager to engage and share viewpoints.
Topics ranged from the current economic situation, to Black Lives Matter and its impact on the election, to swing states, and the recent confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
The two students act as moderators and attend every presentation, along with their teachers Serene Williams and Kristen Kelly who advise on the project. Their main challenge? Keeping the conversation flowing and respectful. It’s all part of upholding the “peaceful discourse pledge” being put into action more than ever on campus through a variety of student-led programming on offer this election cycle.
“I think these conversations aid in the goal of listening and learning before responding,” said Borchers. “Respectful discourse is something that needs to be practiced. People will always have different opinions, and we’re not hoping to change this, we’re hoping to bring more voices to the conversation, and educate our peers while doing it. I do believe many students at the Prep are educated on current events—but we can always learn more.”
The pair hopes civic education and understanding result in more civic participation, with this series of presentations contributing to that educational goal for SHP students. “I think our generation is very engaged and excited to get into activism and politics,” said Borchers. “[SHP students show] an interest in learning about our government and politics. We hope this will transform into voting and concrete political engagement from the student body.”
Presentation topics so far have included:
Amy Coney Barrett’s appointment, her views, and its impact on women’s rights
Role of VP: Pence and Harris before the VP debate
Mail-in voting, voter fraud, and voting accessibility
The current economic situation
Judiciary committee and debrief of Amy Coney Barrett’s senate hearing
CA prop breakdown
Electoral college: history, basics, and pros/cons
The BLM movement and its impact on the election
Climate policy
General election discussion
Swing states, peaceful transfer of power, and election predictions
CA props: which were passed and what do they mean
Lame-duck periods
Senate election results
Sacred Heart Schools Atherton
Founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart, SHS is a Catholic, independent, co-ed day school for students in preschool through grade 12
