It’s an exciting time for students at Hershey Middle School (HMS)! Today, the 8th grade American Cultures class took part in a hands-on mock election, an invaluable learning experience that introduced them to the 2024 presidential race and the voting process. The activity provided students with the opportunity to explore democracy firsthand and connect classroom lessons to real-world political issues, deepening their understanding of how elections work and why they matter.
As the 2024 election season culminates today, there’s no better time to engage young minds in discussions about the political process. The mock election at HMS allowed students to not only learn about the 2024 candidates but also explore critical issues facing the United States today. From healthcare to climate change, these are the topics that will shape the decisions voters make in November, and now, thanks to this hands-on activity, the students at HMS have a clearer understanding of these important issues.
This interactive learning experience didn’t just focus on memorizing facts about the election—it gave students the chance to actively participate in a simulated election and think critically about the 2024 presidential race. By voting on relevant issues, students began to see how politics directly impacts their lives and the future of the nation.
For many of the students, this was their first chance to dive into the “why” behind voting. The mock election helped them understand the importance of the issues affecting our nation, such as education reform, the economy, and social justice, and how these topics directly impact their futures. By connecting these critical issues to the 2024 election, students developed their own opinions about the political landscape, and, importantly, they learned how to listen to and respect differing viewpoints.
As future voters, this experience serves as a critical foundation for civic engagement in years to come. Teaching students about democracy, political discourse, and the electoral process not only informs them—it empowers them to become active participants in their communities.
The mock election at HMS isn’t just an isolated classroom activity—it’s an example of how Derry Township schools are integrating real-world lessons into their curriculum to prepare students for future leadership roles. These types of experiences are vital in helping students understand their role in the democratic process and how important it is to stay informed, vote, and be active in their communities.
As Derry Township continues to foster a strong sense of civic responsibility among its students, it’s reassuring to see our young people becoming thoughtful, informed citizens who are not only learning about democracy but are also ready to engage with it. These experiences will help shape the next generation of voters, leaders, and community activists.
With the excitement of the mock election still in the air, students at HMS likely left school today feeling more connected to the 2024 election than ever before. They now understand that the power of their voices doesn’t just come from casting a ballot—it comes from being informed, engaging with the issues, and learning to appreciate the complexities of the American democratic system.
If you live in Hummelstown, Derry Township, or the greater Harrisburg area, be sure to support local educational initiatives that help prepare our youth for the challenges ahead. Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going about the importance of teaching democracy!
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