Clarke Central High School seniors, along with school and community chaperones walk to the entrance of the Athens-Clarke County Library where CCHS 19 students voted for the first time on Nov. 1, 2018. CCHS has conducted several early voting field trips and Communities in Schools Site Coordinator Dana Scheffen has a similar tripped planned for Oct. 30. “Things are changing a lot, and (students) are inheriting a world that (they) didn’t choose. So it’s important to get involved in a multitude of ways in order to make the world work for you,” Scheffen said. Photo by Kelly Fulford
To encourage voter participation, CCHS will provide eligible students the opportunity to vote early at the Athens-Clarke County Library on Oct. 30 during Aadvisement.
With the 2024 presidential election quickly approaching, CCHS Communities in Schools Site Director Dana Scheffen is organizing a field trip during Advisement for eligible students to cast their ballot on Oct. 30 at the ACC Library.
“Without putting too much pressure on young people, the future is yours, and things are changing a lot, and you are inheriting a world that you didn’t necessarily choose,” Scheffen said. “So it’s important to get involved in a multitude of ways in order to make the world work for you.”
In anticipation of the field trip, Scheffen connected with The Economic Justice Coalition, a local advocacy organization, which visited CCHS on Oct. 3 and 4. The EJC aided students in registering to vote as a form of preparation and encouragement for this field trip. EJC canvasser Carolyn Smith feels that voting is necessary for young people.
“Yes, because they’re the future, you know, we need your opinions, everybody has one. So state your opinion, go out and vote,” Smith said.
Economic Justice Coalition volunteer Carolyn Smith displays an EJC pamphlet in Clarke Central High School’s E.B. Mell Lobby on Oct. 3. The EJC has engaged in outreach in the Athens community to help encourage all citizens to vote, especially young people. “We go to the library and do voter registration. We talk to people in the community, pass out flyers, give them information and updates on everything,” Smith said. Photo by Liza Larson
Alex Emiliano, a CCHS senior, is unaware of the trip and will not participate. Despite not attending the field trip, he feels that young people must use their voices.
“There’s a lot of old people in the government, I think it’s really important for young people to vote because they have opinions, too, and I feel like I shouldn’t just be old people with old views,” Emiliano said.
While not all students are aware of the opportunity, Scheffen feels that the trip is an important opportunity for eligible seniors.
“I’m just I’m excited. I want to hear what the kids have to say when they vote the first time,” Scheffen said. “I want to hear the things that (students) care about, and I’m excited, moving forward, that they have a chance to vote to shape their future.”
