This year 18 AP Government students in Mr. McGrath’s class had the unique opportunity to attend the Oakland County Republican Party Lincoln day Dinner.  The event and dinner, which took place on Feb 16, was supposed to include key speaker Rick Snyder.  However, due to the upcomingMichiganprimary, presidential candidate Rick Santorum was added to the line up of speakers.  The guest list then sky rocketed from an estimated 400 – 600 people, to more than 1400 people.  

McGrath received the tickets, worth about $75 each, for free under the condition that the students arrive early to help setup for the event.  Each student paid $10 to attend to cover the cost of the tickets for the chaperons, who were Principal Kevin McKenna and Vice Principal Eric Dziobak. 

All students that showed interest and wanted to attend the dinner were put into a random drawing, where 18 were selected.  Students were expected to dress nicely for the event as well.

Students were given this opportunity in order to learn more about the different candidates and the policies that they stand behind.  “The students got to interact with leaders of the community and state and that was very beneficial to them”, said Dziobak.  It wasn’t meant to push for any particular political views.  “I got a good indication on what the Republican Party believes,” said Senior Josh Beazley, who opened the door for Rick Santorum as he entered.  “It was surreal to see the candidates that you always see on the news in real life,” stated Senior Zoe Berg.

Santorum’s main goal at the event was to win overMichigan.  “He was telling us inMichiganeverything that we wanted to hear, it was straight politics,” said Berg, “I agree with most of his policies but I believe this is in part because most of them were vague”.

With elections nearing, students are deciding who they are or would vote for. “I’m still undecided on who I would vote for”, said Beazley, “there’s a lot of factors to consider”. 

Events like these make students more aware of the real world and get them more involved.  “When you can experience it, it’s a lot different then learning it in the class room”, said Dziobak. 

The goal is to get students to see all political groups, Republican and Democratic. 

Overall this was a great learning experience for the students that attended.  “They did a great job and represented MHS well, I’m very proud”, said Dziobak.