CORNWALL, Ontario – After three weeks of working on projects involving the upcoming Municipal Election, grade 10 Civics students of Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School held a vote on Friday, Oct. 19.
“This class has been on fire,” said Mellysa Burke, teacher of the Civics class at Holy Trinity. “We have also had councillor and mayor candidates come in to speak to the class, so that really got them to engage and know who the people are in the city who could be representing them.”
Students focused their attention on Cornwall Mayoral and Council candidates. Each student completed an assignment about one candidate and addressed if that candidate’s platform aligned with their own personal political beliefs. Students learned about the implications associated with different political sentiments.
“We also had a really great debate about youth retention; how we can keep them here in our city, because that’s an issue based on what we have heard from the council candidates,” said Burke.
Burke was inspired to hold a student vote following the vote that took place during the Provincial Election earlier this year. She is thankful for the company CIVIX, which provided her with all the necessary tools and information to help facilitate the student vote. She is proud of their students and their level of engagement.
“I’ve always really loved politics and have been vocal about it, so participating in this is fun,” said Grace Leroux, a student at Holy Trinity. Leroux understands that a lot of voters may not be informed and believes it is important to educate yourself, especially at a young age.
Student voting results will be announced following the Municipal Election on Monday, Oct. 22.
