US Students Get on Their Soapbox

In a week filled with celebrations of democracy, Upper School History, Modern World History and Elections 2020 students added their voices to the conversation through the Soapbox Challenge. Inspired by the Mikva Challenge’s Project Soapbox, US history teachers Andy Bigelow and Sue Elliott challenged their students, as part of their final, to “get up on their soapbox” and make a two-minute speech on a topic about which they are passionate. The prompt asked students to find examples in the nation’s past, specifically from the time of Reconstruction, that can can offer lessons in the present to help make reforms and unite opposing viewpoints in our polarized political climate.

 

“This year I went to one of the Mikva Foundation’s teacher training sessions and was introduced to their national competition, Project Soapbox,” said Bigelow. “I was in awe of their oratory skills and how sound and concise their speeches were! After the training, I knew right away that this had to be the history final. With all the events facing our nation, here was the best student-centered and mission-driven opportunity to hear and watch the fruits of our labor.”

 

Students covered topics ranging from voter suppression and the Electoral College to political divisiveness among the two-party system, the unfortunate strength of misinformation and the political impact on climate change. Several students compared current circumstances to the heightened political divide the country experienced during the Civil War and the power of spreading information in creating a split in viewpoints. 

 

On her soapbox, sophomore Savanna Manness closed her argument about the death penalty with, “So today, I implore you, consider alternatives to ending a person’s life. If we as a society believe that murder is wrong, it is also wrong to use murder as a punishment. Execute justice, not people, and help our country become the democratic republic it could be.”

 

Each student made their presentations via a video recording incorporating graphics, music and news footage to further prove their point. Some chose to dress up to demonstrate the seriousness of their commitment to their topic.

 

This project brought closure to a semester full of momentous historical events, including the high-stakes 2020 election. Parker continues to educate students to be responsible citizens who are active participants in democracy. The Soapbox Challenge furthers this goal by allowing them to use their voices to effect real change and make the world better.

Share in a sampling of our student′s work below.