Candidates running to represent Arkansas’s First Congressional District were invited to Highland High School last week to participate in a town hall meeting with Mr. Jeremiah MacDonald’s senior civics students.
As part of their studies, students have been learning about the electoral process and the responsibilities that come with being an informed voter. Mr. MacDonald wanted to take those lessons beyond the classroom by giving students an opportunity to experience firsthand what it means to learn about candidates and the issues they represent before heading to the polls.
Two candidates accepted the invitation to participate: Dr. Terri Yarbrough Green and Dr. Steve Parsons. Each candidate was given an opportunity to speak to students about their platform, priorities, and reasons for seeking office. Following each presentation, students were able to ask questions and hear directly from the candidates.
For many of these seniors, voting in an election will soon become a very real responsibility. Experiences like this allow students to see the democratic process in action while developing skills that extend well beyond the classroom—asking thoughtful questions, listening to different perspectives, researching candidates and issues, and making informed decisions for themselves.
We appreciate both candidates for taking the time to visit HHS and speak with our students, and we are proud of Mr. MacDonald and his students for turning their civics lessons into a meaningful, real-world learning experience!