11/8/2011 8:00:00 AMCampus International students go to the polls in a real election to learn how government works

By: Brian Archer, newsnet5.com

A Campus International student casts his
ballot for student council representatives.

CLEVELAND - Students at Campus International School in Cleveland got out to vote early Monday morning for their inaugural student council election.

Third grade teacher Sheila O’Rourke said what started out as a lesson in government, turned into a real election process with members of the student body running for offices to create the school’s first ever student council.

Some 220 students from kindergarten through third grade took part in the election. They voted to elect a class president, vice president, secretary and two treasurers. The positions will be filled by members of the third grade class.

Ms. O’Rourke said the students thought the addition of a student council would help the school set up programs such as recycling.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections added some reality to the election process, providing voting stations, voting participation stickers and other supplies. The school hopes to continue electing new student council members with each new third grade class.

The results of the election will be announced on Wednesday.  <<Full Story