On Thursday, May 29, during the high school’s 4th and 7th periods, the two AP Government and Politics classes will be hosting a mock party convention. The teacher, Ms. Seggi, is inviting all students to come down freely to the auditorium to watch the classes in a real party convention, Republican versus Democrat. 

Mock party conventions are oftentimes hosted by college classes to demonstrate a real life political debate. AP Gov’s 4th period is the Republican party and the 7th period is the Democratic party, and they will be put head to head in this debate. 

The Republican Party is led by Landon Atha as the presidential candidate with Ali Yetzer as his vice president. The governor, senators, and representatives for this party include Aaron Davis (PA), Bryce Chelton (TX), Leon Hanold (FL), Jace Sanden (NC), and Trysten Atkinson (SC). The keynote speaker is Derek Yatsko, speaking on the morality of the president. The state delegates behind the scenes are Andrew Miller, Addy Schwabenbauer, Braylyn Gerdy, Chelsea Butcher, and Izabella Palczer. The master of ceremonies is Jack Vanchieri, and the campaign manager is Regan Kemp. 

The Democratic party is led by Grace Allen as the president and Ellie Carey is her vice president. The state governor, senators, and representatives include Leah Mitchell (CA), Clara Harrington (PA) , Don Higby (NY), Haley Mumau (VA) , and Audrey Baker (VT). The keynote speaker for this party is Joey Gradler. The state delegates are Kristin Daniels, Taige Eastman, Logan McCray, Ethan Pituch, Taylor Martin, Brooke Barry, and Kirstin Snyder. The master of ceremonies is Arthur Cassidy and the campaign manager is Kaylee Barber. 

After the debate, the teachers will have a mock electoral college, and the number of years they have worked here will represent the state they have and the votes they have. The class will be required to put their vote on one of the two parties and whatever the majority is will be what the teacher votes. Students, make sure to pay attention to all aspects of the convention, including the parties’ advertisements. 

These students have worked hard all year for their AP exam and this is a great hands-on learning experience that is both fun and a great way to put into practice what they have learned. This is a great way to end the year on a fun note.