On November 4th, 2016 a mock presidential debate was held at Juniata High School in conjunction with the nation’s upcoming presidential election. The event commenced with an acapella rendition of the national anthem by JHS student Pishima Calloway and was followed by a powerful speech from Juniata’s 2008 election winner, Jonathan Hershey, who is currently serving as a legislative correspondent for Congressman Charlie Dent in Washington, D.C. Mr. Strawser then introduced each candidate who went on to share a campaign video and was allowed to make a short speech about his/her platform. After the speeches, each candidate was asked two questions by the debate moderator, Mr. Trotman. The candidates were then given a chance to wrap things up with a brief address to the student body.

Bailey Hackenberry is the senior candidate representing the Tuscarora Party. Bailey does not support the consolidation of secondary schools because he believes that maintaining a friendly rivalry is important. Bailey also shared that he believes school expenditures should go toward improving the school, and that technology should be utilized as a supplement to and not a replacement of existing teaching methods. Also, Bailey promises, that if he is elected president, a vending machine will be installed in the school.

Becky Ratvasky is the junior candidate representing the Shade Party. She began her remarks by expressing to the student body her belief that there is already much at JHS for students to be proud of. Becky shared her desire to improve our school by starting a recycling program similar to the successful one already in place at the junior high.

Peyton Harris is one of the freshman candidates running as an Independent. Peyton also believes in using technology as a supplement when it comes to academics. He supports the consolidation of the elementary schools in order to provide children with equal opportunities. Peyton would like school expenditures to be fairly distributed between all clubs and other extracurricular activities offered at JHS. 

Haylee Yocum is also a freshman running as an Independent. Haylee began her remarks by sharing with the audience her belief in the importance of trying new things, which is one reason why she decided to run for JHS president. She also supports a fair distribution of school expenditures between clubs, the band, and all athletic teams. Haylee concluded her final comments with a plea for her generation to treat each other respectfully and with kindness.

Voting for the JHS school president will take place on November 8th, 2016. All registered voters should report to the courtyard hallway with their iPads and student IDs.