“Democracy,” it’s been said, “is not a spectator sport.” That sure held true for a fourth grade class that includes my granddaughter, Mariella.
In rapid-fire words slowed only by her mother’s insistence that she take a breath, Mariella explained that 20 of the 24 students in her class decided to seek election to the classroom’s single seat on the school’s student council.
Each candidate had 30 seconds to outline his or her platform.
“Wait,” I said. “Do you mean you had 20 kids, each speaking for half a minute?”
“Yes,” answered Mariella. “It was kind of like the Democrats’ presidential debate.”
For the record, Mariella won the election on her announced goal of ending the school cafeteria use of non-biodegradable containers. I’m certain there are many other topics or issues Mariella would have addressed. But what can you do in 30 seconds?
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