Students in the Cascade School District jumped into the political process — in an educational and empowering way.

The senior class wanted patrons to learn more about the two candidates running for trustee seat 5, so three seniors moderated and facilitated a question-and-answer forum between Monica Gokey and Paula Bartlett.

The trustee election is Tuesday. More than 200 Idaho trustee seats are on ballots that day, as well as mayor and City Council seats, among other initiatives. Find out what’s happening in your area and how to vote by clicking here. 

“These students did an excellent job,” said social studies teacher Leesa Johnson.  “It is the first time that these students got the opportunity to participate in the political process.”

It was a hands-on learning experience for them and the rest of the high school government class. 

“It’s what a small rural school is doing to create opportunities for learning,” Johnson said.

Cascade seniors Grant Whipple and Tyler Thurston moderated the forum and Samuel Huckaby was the official timekeeper. (They are pictured here.)