In Tim Beishir’s AP Government class, a mock election occurs in the first semester to mimic the presidential election that occurs every four years in Washington D.C. This year, seniors Claire Stonitsch (president) and Lilly Trylovich (vice-president), who represent the People’s Advocate Party, will face off against seniors John Peterson (president) and Aiden Walter (vice-president), who represent the PW Progressives.

Stonitsch’s decision to run for president was mainly based off of her peer’s suggestions.

“Beishir had us separate into two groups on opposite sides of the room, and my group was like ‘Oh Claire, you should run for president or vice president’ … everyone just suggested me and I was fine with it,” Stonitsch said.

In each “party,” various committees are formed to shape policies and mimic the election process. While some students worked on domestic concerns, others worked on foreign affairs. The chairs of each committee then conducted research to prepare Stonitsch and Trylovich for the debate. 

In the debate, Stonitsch and Peterson were asked questions by Beisher about their policies and party views. Additionally, each party filmed a commercial that was shown in the debate and posters were hung throughout the school calling for support. Trylovich and Walter also participated in the debate. 

The People’s Advocate Party is mainly concerned with making healthcare universal, creating equal rights for women and minority groups, keeping peace abroad with countries like Russia and North Korea, and monitoring climate change, according to Stonitsch,

“We worked with the chairs of each committee to come up with what we wanted to do,” Stonitsch said. “We didn’t align necessarily with a certain political party now, but we share Ismaili views. We wanted to have more progressive views.”

In order to create a cohesive, organized policy, Beishir was there as support for the candidates for any part of their speeches they wanted to revise, according to Stonitsch. To determine the elected victor, Beisher randomly selects teachers to watch recordings of the debate and review the materials of each party. 

Stonitsch feels that having endorsements from staff aided in making their campaign successful; Stonitsch and Trylovich received endorsements from psychology and law teacher Jay Heilman, athletic director Scott McDermott and Spanish teacher Leigh Sapp. 

Throughout this process, not only has Stonitsch learned more about the process of a national election, but has been able to make connections with her peers to contribute to making their campaign.

“It’s made AP Gov a lot more fun than I thought it would be, I like how interactive it was and it really showed you how the government works,” Stonitsch said.