January 15, 2008
From simulated attempted kidnapping videos to the nomination of a substitute teacher as a Republican candidate for U.S. vice president, anything is possible when North Penn students are involved.
On Jan. 9 and 10, North Penn High School held its mock Republican National Convention for junior and senior social studies classes.
Since 1976, every four years students come together to mimic a real National Convention by not only acting as state delegates and debating platforms, but also electing Republican candidates to run for president and vice president.
Kristopher Dean (left), a senior at North Penn, celebrates after Mike Huckabee, the candidate he represented for North Penn’s mock election, received the nomination. Jaymin Patel, senior, was representing Rudy Giuliani. (David Garrett/ The Intelligencer)
This year's winners were Mike Huckabee for president and substitute teacher Mr. Conver for vice president.
Besides debating platforms such as Iraq, immigration, health care and the environment, student delegates got to voice their opinions to the entire school, by speaking at assigned microphones on their states' behalf.
Students also had time to discuss which candidates they would nominate and vote for and spoke with other state delegates, attempting to form alliances.
States with more votes, such as California with 89 and Texas with 67, quickly gained popularity among campaign managers.
"Although I was disappointed that many students did not know much about the candidates, I thought (the convention) was a lot of fun. Being involved with the politics firsthand enabled me to learn a lot about how conventions are conducted," said senior Victoria Stern, a delegate for New York.
Besides proposing, amending and voting on bills, students were given an opportunity to listen to a few key politicians about the process they were simulating.
Pennsylvania State Reps. Robert Goodshall and Kate Harper, as well as state Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf and Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor, had a chance to speak to students about their jobs as well as the importance of the political process in the real world.
Every four years the convention alternates a political party, so in 2012 NPHS will hold a Democratic National Convention.
