STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN PBS NEWS HOUR POLITICAL FORUM

     CHS students were asked to generate questions related to the upcoming presidential elections. Students who participated were Krista Kraus of Winfield, Megan Scott of West Chicago, Ryan Russell of West Chicago and Kristian Mendoza of West Chicago. They were joined by other students from schools in New York, California, Pennsylvania and Maryland who also submitted questions that were asked to a panel of political commentators by moderator Judy Woodruff.

     Krista Kraus stated “I thought that it was cool that they asked high school students for the questions. We are the next voting generation.” Kraus inquired how one can become a superdelegate.

     CHS students asked questions related to the delegate selection process, the qualifications of the candidates, and campaign finance. Megan Scott was complemented by the panel for her question, “How come the Democratic Party is getting so much publicity because of race and gender, when those qualities do not determine if someone will be a good president?" During the show, panelist Tad Levine commented”… it's wonderful to hear a young person say that…these are not factors. Because it says, and I think signals where this next generation is coming from, and where our country, as a result, is likely to go, which is in a very, very good place.” Levine was a senior strategist and adviser to the Democratic presidential campaigns of Vice President Al Gore in 2000 and Sen. John Kerry in 2004.

     The broadcast can be heard in its entirety at: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/insider/politics/jan-june08/extra_04-25.html

Gail Eckl Daniels
Public Relations Facilitator
Community High School District #94
326 Joliet Street West Chicago, IL 60185
gdaniels@d94.org 630/876-6556 Direct Line at CHS #94
630/876-6242 Educational Foundation Line at CHS
630/293-9099 Direct Line at Eckl Daniels Office
gaileckl@aol.com E-Mail at Eckl Daniels Office