Political Clubs
All opinions
now have a club to meet their needs
By Caroline Evans
Some political party clubs
have formed at Valley Christian over the last few months. However,
many students do not know much about these clubs or whether they
would belong.
Ms. Jennifer Griffin, who runs the Young Democratic Club, is very
enthusiastic about spreading the Democratic beliefs around school.
The club, who was started by her younger sister Katie Silva, was
formed to educate the students at Valley that Christians can be
democrats, to educate people about the Democratic platform of
the party, and to debate against the Republican club. The students
of the Democratic club have been very busy! “Every week
we talk about different issues like the War in Iraq and the environment.
We have also written letters to congressmen,” commented
Ms. Griffin. Club members also learn how to be more involved in
the community. The club hopes to become an official club of the
Young Democratic Organization. Albino Graces, a junior and a club
member, said what makes the Democratic club unique is, “we
have more structure than the Republican Club.” Ms. Griffin
encourages not just Democrats, but also Republicans and Independents
to come to the meeting. “Come whether you know you’re
a democrat, not sure, or just want to learn more. We welcome everyone!”
The Democratic Club meets in room 108 on Fridays at lunch.
The Independent Club is another political club here at Valley.
Started by Adam Walls, the purpose of the club is let those students
who have a mix of Democratic and Republican views be able to be
heard. Walls said that his group was different from the other
political clubs because, “this club helps you form your
own views and not just go with the crowd.” During the meetings,
the Independents discussed what is going on in the government
and important issues. Jordan Apgar, a junior, joined the club
because she did not fit in with either the Republican club or
the Democratic club. “I also wanted to be more involved
in the government,” said Apgar. The Independent club meets
in room 204 on Wednesday.
The Young Republican Club was the first political club at Valley.
This club was started by a group of students. “The purpose
of the club is to expose students to political process as well
as Republican views,” said Mr. Scialabba. Matt Helder, a
junior at Valley, joined the club because he “wanted to
get involved with people who shared my political views.”
The Republican Club discusses relevant issues, and this is what,
Helder thinks, separates the Young Republican club from the others.
The Young Republican club was busy during the election. Many members
of the club helped out at the voting booths. The Republican club
hopes to debate the Young Democratic Club after Christmas break.
The clubs meet on Fridays in room 110. Announcements will be made.
At Valley, more students are getting involved in politics, and
not just by getting involved in the political clubs at school.
A poll was taken among students regarding the 2004 election. The
poll that was taken in October had seventy percent of the students
hoping that George Bush would win the election. The most important
issue among students was the War in Iraq. Bill Jones won the race
for State Senate among Valley Christian students. A majority of
the students also voted that there should be a Constitutional
Amendment to protect marriage by banning gay marriage. All the
political clubs at Valley have contributed positively in allowing
students to get involved in government and the community.
