As Tacoma approaches the 2025 mayoral election, Social Studies teacher Ken Brown has taken an interactive approach to teach his AP Government classes about the candidates. On Thursday and Friday, B-12 was home to both candidates on the ballot, Hines and Ibsen. While the candidates came in separately, both got the opportunity to talk to students about who they are and what they stand for.

Students got to engage with the candidates through Q & A, along with getting detailed summaries of what the candidates are hoping to achieve through running for office. According to Brown both candidates “have their finger on the pulse of Tacoma in similar ways.” As both candidates run for the same party, the issues they are passionate about seem to align. This similarity is what makes in-person connections, like the ones on campus so impactful. As the seniors in AP Gov start to vote this year, the interactions with the candidates have the possibility to make an impact on the election this year.

This opportunity allowed students to truly learn how their government, that they participate in functions. As voting numbers have steadily declined, the importance of voting for this next generation has become increasingly important. Having moments like this where the next round of voters have the chance to engage early, creates a culture, especially on our campus of civic engagement.