[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 20, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
      PLEASANTS COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL RECEIVES JOHN HERKLOTZ AWARD

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Madam President, today I would like to recognize an 
example of outstanding excellence and community involvement in 
education. On April 26 of this year the Pleasants County Middle School 
of Belmont, WV, received the John Herklotz Award, presented by the 
National Association of Secondary School Principals [NASSP]. This West 
Virginia school was among just 10 schools from across the country 
recognized for ``making an outstanding contribution to teaching 
democracy'' during its mock election activities sponsored by the 
National Student-Parent Mock Election.
  The activities which earned the eighth grade students and their 
civics teacher, Mr. John Eichhorn, the award began in November 1992, 
just prior to the national election. The classes invited community 
representatives to the school in order to explain the process of 
campaigning, voting, and balloting. The eighth graders then registered 
all students and staff members for their mock election and assigned 
each one to their respective polling places in Pleasants County's 11 
districts. Other activities included the construction of student-run 
party headquarters and the display of campaign materials provided by 
local, State, and national candidates.
  The school's election activities continued the Thursday before the 
national election with a political rally attended by all Pleasants 
County candidates and several State candidates. The rally, an event 
open to the community, was an affair of balloons, banners, music, and 
speeches by both students and visiting candidates. The following day 
the students held their election using official polling booths and 
ballot boxes provided by the county and manned by student commissioners 
and clerks.
  The mock election program concluded in January with a variety of 
inaugural activities including a swearing-in ceremony and address 
featuring students portraying political figures. Local political 
leaders and a representative from the Governor's office were also on 
hand to address those present. Meanwhile, the school and community were 
treated to a performance of patriotic pieces by the Pleasants County 
Middle School choir and band. A picnic lunch was then provided for 
students as they watched the swearing-in of the President and Vice-
President on television.
  The day's events culminated with an inaugural parade and ball. The 
parade featured the school's band, floats, and students dressed to 
portray political leaders. The semi-formal Inaugural Ball and Reception 
was held in the school's decorated cafeteria and allowed students to 
mingle and converse with visiting guests and dignitaries.
  I cannot stress how excited I am to see such an outstanding example 
of community and school interaction and hands-on learning experiences 
in our schools. Such programs offer an entertaining way for students to 
put what they have learned into a practical context, and provide for 
the students a sense of involvement in the political process. It is 
efforts like those of Mr. Eichhorn and his civics classes which help 
instill pride in our democratic system of government in our students 
and inspire them to be engaged and active citizens. I can only hope 
that more schools will follow this example, and use creative ways to 
promote citizenship.
  I am sure that my colleagues and my fellow West Virginians join me in 
congratulating the students, faculty, and staff of the Pleasants County 
Middle School.

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