Events Created to Promote Teen Civic Engagement and Political Awareness

The Thomas S. Wootton High School Student Government Association is partnering with community groups to organize a series of evens aimed at motivating students to focus on election-year issues, serve their communities, and learn civic responsibility.

April 21 and 22—Student-led classroom activities will examine issues relevant to the 2008 presidential and congressional elections. Science classes will discuss the environment, health classes will look at healthcare issues, and social studies classes will examine Social Security and foreign policy.

April 23—Every English class will feature a panel of students leading class discussions and debates about election-year issues discussed earlier in the week.

April 24—Assemblies will feature speakers including Estee Portnoy, founder of KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now), a special needs athletics program; representatives from Governor Martin O’Malley’s Office of Community Initiatives; and elected officials.

April 24—A “Rock the Vote”-style concert and rally will be held April 24 at 7 p.m. in the school stadium. It includes musical headliners Pat McGee Band and Gym Class Heroes (MTV’s 2007 New Artist of the Year). The event will feature elected representatives, student leaders, and a voter registration drive.

April 25—Students will participate in a Service and Advocacy Expo on April 25 at 10 a.m.involving more than three dozen organizations committed to community service. They include Save Darfur, National Coalition for the Homeless, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

When:
Various events from Monday, April 21, through Friday, April 25, 2008

Where:
Thomas S. Wootton High School
2100 Wootton Parkway
Rockville, MD 20850

Contact:
Jennifer Taylor
School Counselor and SGA sponsor
Thomas S. Wootton High School
Tel.: 301-279-4204

Kate Harrison
Acting Director
MCPS Public Information Office
Tel.: 301-279-3853

Press passes:
To April 24 Evening Event
Avery Budman
202-857-6560
abudman@bbyo.org