This years presidential election has been one of the most historic and unusual ever. AP Government teacher Ms. Healy was able to share her knowledge on the significance of this election, and why it is important for the students of Seattle Prep to be informed about it. This is the third year AP Government is being offered for seniors at Prep, and Ms. Healy is extremely happy about the high level of interest it has gotten from students. She believes “it supports mission of Seattle Prep, which is to create leaders and students who support justice.”

On the importance of teaching political rights to younger generations, Ms. Healy said: “I think that Seattle Prep students are in a unique position to be in a position as they enter the word. We need the smart, thoughtful graduates of Seattle Prep to play a role in our community. Our system of democracy depends on people engaging in the process and the easiest way to do that is to vote. My hope is students are motivated to exercise their right to vote at a minimum, but also

to exercise their skills in other ways in the community.”

Additionally, this years presidential candidates have caused many mixed feelings and unusual events to surface in the US. Ms. Healy explained the significance of this years as being “incredibly historic.” She said “whatever the outcome it will be historic. Either it will be the first woman president or a person who has a very different political background which we have not seen in a candidate before. It is unusual to have two of the most unpopular candidates running in this years election and the way their campaigns have played out has been unusual as well.”

As an AP Government teacher she has taught students about the meaning of this years election, and how it is an example of a time when the younger groups should participate. Ms. Healy also added “when a group doesn’t vote then their issues don get heard. I try to encourage civic literacy and engagement among young people in my class and in the younger generations.”

Finally, through all of the differences in this years politics, Ms. Healy hopes that “regardless, if your candidate wins or loses the election, that people will honor our more than 200 year election tradition. Allowing a peaceful transition of power, for a stable democracy which has been established for many years.”

It is important for students of the Prep community to recognize their ability to play a role in the government through the elections and the leadership skills they develop during high school, and to use them to the fullest extent.