Yes They Can

By Rosanna Trestman

On January 20 Botelle school set a projector in the cafeteria and aired Barack Obama’s swearing in ceremony. (Coincidentally, it was lunchtime). Throughout the day, teachers interrupted lessons to broadcast the proceedings on TVs in the classrooms or the on big screen in the Hall of Flags. At Regional 7, election fever began in real-time with the nation. Beginning in the fall, students mounted a voter registration drive. They studied the candidates and campaigned for their wo/man. They voted in the primaries (Huckabee got the Republican nod), and, in the mock elections, even used real (but outmoded) election machines. We may be impressive, but, happily, we are not unique. Schools across the nation, public and private, did much the same. Never in my lifetime have children been so swept into national politics. Youths who recently attained majority could vote– and they did in record numbers. Not yet of age, teens and adolescents were glued to You Tube, their media of choice. From caucuses to inauguration, they considered the individual candidates as they worked their way (or not) to the conventions. Even without casting a ballot, they felt involved, as though they could will their candidate to the oval office. And the littlest ones, if nothing else, can find wonderment at two little girls who get to live in a house with its own movie theater, bowling alley and new puppy. Because of the emphasis on this event, in school and at home, American children got that they are part of something bigger than themselves and their family, but their country. They also saw, but may not appreciate the significance, that with the passing of the torch, the old and new presidents shook hands (the ladies hugged). With that moment of warmth, children will learn that the transfer of leadership in this country is uniquely civilized. It is during the teenage years that children decide, often unconsciously, whether they will take part in the political process, i.e., vote. The intense awareness of this chapter in history, which focused not only Obama’s color, but the drastic change in national policy, was kindled by their education. But it was also due to their ability to watch events at any time or place that kept the fire perpetually alive. Like no other generation before, people now can tune in to any number of media and hook up to the world. Unlike my generation, technology is these kids’ first language. And, because they are so exposed, they are more likely to be a part of the democratic process and citizens of the world.