Students Have Own Presidential Picks

It may seem odd to have a political convention in the middle of January, but that didn’t curb the enthusiasm of hundreds of eighth-graders at Valley View Middle School who gathered Thursday to choose candidates for the next presidential election.

The school’s gymnasium became a convention floor--complete with cameras, video screens, red-white-and-blue banners, a brass band and lots of candidate signs.

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” said Simi Valley Councilman Glen Becerra, who spoke to the delegates. “This is kind of raw unrestrained enthusiasm and that’s overwhelming.”

Becerra said the convention was a great way to educate “this generation who will be running the community--at an age when they’re very willing to accept new concepts and ideas.”

The 635 students who participated were divided into delegations from 50 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. They then voted for candidates.

Student candidates addressed the issues of gun control, animal rights, abortion, suicide, rape, sexually transmitted diseases, crime and discrimination.

The delegates selected Wenonah Weston as their presidential candidate and Amber Kossow as the vice presidential nominee. Other candidates were James Bartik, Lacy Bird, Stephanie Jenkins and Amy Miller.

Amy ran on a platform of working to end both child abuse and product testing on animals as well as lowering the rates for teen suicide, crime and date rape.

Amy, who is considering a future in politics, said preparing for the convention helped her learn more about the political process and public speaking.

“I learned how to write speeches that play to the crowd,” she said.