They may not be old enough to cast ballots just yet, but Trottier students yesterday got a lesson in the value of a single vote. In the school’s mock presidential election on Monday, Barack Obama squeaked by Mitt Romney by a mere four votes.
The mock election was part of Trottier’s year-long Citizen Initiative, an effort Assistant Principal Gary Hreschuk said is aimed at “building a stronger school culture.”
In a message to parents posted on the school’s website, Hreschuk said programs have been planned throughout the year to focus on the areas of civic engagement, community service, global citizenship, and environmental citizenship.
Trottier students voted throughout the day on Monday, with the final tally giving Obama 264 votes and Romney 260.
One Trottier seventh grader told me two of his friends were going to vote for Romney, but never got around to it. “Their votes would have made it even closer,” he said.
Students also voted for their choice of state senator, but that race way anything but close. Scott Brown took the school in a landslide, with 75% of the vote compared to Elizabeth Warren’s 25%.
The ballot at Trottier also featured a referendum that was near-and-dear to most students: what themes to have for the annual Trottier Spirit Week held in February. Top picks were Pajama Day, Favorite Sports Team Day, Crazy Hair Day, and 80’s Day.
Continuing the civics lesson, Trottier will host an election night party at the school tonight. Hreschuk said about 60 students have signed up to watch the election results, use some interactive programs about the Electoral College, have some pizza, and socialize with friends and teachers.
