Student Debate Clubs Moderate "Meet the Candidates" Event

A group of Eastchester students made the most of a unique opportunity on Monday night, as members of the high school and middle school debate clubs hosted a live “Meet the Candidates” event in the EHS/EMS Auditorium.

Secondary students introduced the candidates running for positions on the EUFSD Board of Trustees and moderated the discussion, the first time in the district’s history that students have taken on this responsibility. The three trustee candidates, Christine Civitano-Lombardi, Laurie Giacobbe and Matthew Fanelli, took the stage alongside a panel of youngsters who asked them a series of questions submitted by student and community groups about the future of Eastchester schools. 

Seventh grader Benjamin Lauriello and 11th graders Camilla Quintero and Leyla Ozkurt served as the student panelists, querying the candidates on a wide range of topics including upcoming changes to the secondary schedule, working alongside incoming Superintendent Dr. Allison Villanueva, and the board’s role in supporting both new and established programs.

Quintero explained that preparing for the event helped the debate club students get a better idea of what role the Board of Trustees plays in the day-to-day experience of Eastchester students, and helped them to more clearly understand how administrators, educators and elected officials work in tandem to benefit the school district. 

“This was definitely a learning experience, since this was the first time we have ever done this, and I was definitely nervous,” said the junior. “But being a part of this event, as a student, really helps you to understand how the school district functions.”

11th grader Eva Partridge—who was one of several students tasked with keeping the candidates within their allotted time—said that she was thrilled to participate in the event, even if her curiosity was sometimes at odds with her role as a time-keeper. 

“When their time was up, I wanted them to keep going because I wanted to hear what they had to say,” she said. “I’ve been in the district since 2013, and it was so interesting to learn more about the process that is going on behind the scenes.”

The Board of Trustees Election will be held on May 20, and the students say they have walked away with a greater understanding of some of the issues facing the district, noting that they are eager to participate in events like this in the future. 

Anastasia Abramova—the president of the EHS Mock Trial and Debate Club—said that being asked to participate in tonight’s forum reflected the district’s efforts to amplify student voices.

“I think it’s a really incredible opportunity to host something that hasn’t been done in the school before,” said Abramova. “It shows how the school is really working towards supporting extracurricular commitments and helping students get their voice out there and get involved with civic engagement.”