Joliet Central students learn about the election process

On February 11, 2020, Joliet Central High School students learned firsthand about their civic duties, the election process, and their ability to impact an election after having learned about these topics in class.

Joliet Central High School teachers Kelsey Duranty, Terry Piazza, and students in the Student Ambassador Program helped register over 160 Joliet Central students at the end of January so they can vote in the 2020 primary and general elections.

After the students registered, Duranty worked with the Will County Clerk’s Office to organize a field trip that brought students in for early voting in the 2020 primary. The field trip also walked students through the process of where to go in order to participate and vote for the first time.

Mrs. Duranty said, “It was a wonderful opportunity to see the students carry out an idea we talked about for an entire semester, taking part in the political process by voting. The students were very excited to vote for the first time and enjoyed being able to see the Will County Clerk’s Office and understand more about the democratic process from the primary standpoint. I was happy to share the experience with them.”

Central student Kayla McLaren said, “The registering process was a lot easier than I thought and the people were very helpful and nice.”

Central student Eva Cervantes added, “It was a lot easier than I thought. I liked it. Don’t be scared to vote. It makes our country better!”

This learning experience aligns with JTHS’ mission to prepare students to “contribute in our local and global society.”

Photo ID (top picture): Bottom Row (L to R): Juan Yepez, Gio Sigala, Bri Bulian, Kayla McLaren, Will Co Clerk Lauren Staley-Ferry, Rosa Reyes: Top Row (L to R) Kelsey Duranty, Eddie Brown, Anna Kulak, Stefanie Arroyo, Kaylee Doy, Eva Cervantes, Liz Ruvalcaba, Alondra Cruz