Page 6 - Winter 2018 YellowJacket

Winchester Board of Selectman Debate –
No Contest for TGS Students
by Patricia Martin
For a number of years now, it has been a Gilbert School tradition that the Social Studies, Civics, and AP Government classes coordinate and moderate the Winchester Board of
Selectman debate. The 2017 session, held on October 25th, turned out to be a huge accomplishment for the students — no contest!
The evening was a
lively, formal affair as 12
candidates took the TGS
auditorium stage to make
their introductory statements
and eld questions asked
by the students, followed
by the opportunity for
rebuttals. Although there were some heated moments, the overriding message was one of cooperation between the parties and the desire to see Winchester become a strong, economically vibrant community.
Teachers Jessica Nardine and Wendy Sultaire oversaw the debate, which drew a crowd of 200 people. It was a group effort involving 70 students, including two Civics classes and one AP Government and Politics class. TGS students from other classes helped make it happen, as well. Scott Minnerly’s Theater Tech class set up the lighting and sound, and Steve Hodges’ Video Production and Photography classes lmed the event, which was also broadcast live.
TGS students were involved with every element of the evening, from preparation to presentation. Their responsibilities included: setting up and cleaning up;
creating yers to publicize the debate; making nameplates for the candidates; and welcoming the candidates and the public upon their arrival. During the debate, students moderated, asked questions, and kept time to keep things on track and running smoothly. It was an impressive and professionally run program.
The teachers were grati ed at their students’ success. “I was so proud of my students’
ability to come together and coordinate this debate,” says Ms. Nardine. “I have received nothing but positive feedback from the candidates and the community. And project-based learning is a great way to give students an authentic, real-world experience.”
“It is so important to get these kids involved in
the local government,” says Ms. Sultaire. “They are future leaders and someday may be running for of ce. We want to get them involved and excited about democracy.”
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