The University of Arizona is setting the stage for future leaders with its upcoming Pathway to the Presidency student competition, part of the events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. This unique initiative not only provides students with a platform to express their views but also cultivates the skills necessary for effective civic engagement.
Organized by the Center for the Philosophy of Freedom, this competition offers middle and high school students a chance to develop mock presidential campaigns. Mary Rigdon, director of the Freedom Center and associate professor of political economy and moral science at the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, emphasized the program’s goal of fostering respectful discourse and civic engagement. “This is an invitation to every student to take an active role in the American story,” she stated.
Middle school participants are tasked with creating a campaign poster, complete with a slogan and three policy issues, along with a piece of memorabilia. Meanwhile, high school students must prepare a 3- to 5-minute campaign speech addressing key national issues, their guiding principles, and strategies for uniting a polarized populace. Saura Masconale, the Freedom Center’s associate director, highlighted the importance of civil discourse, stating, “We must learn to disagree constructively, build genuine connections and seek common ground over solutions.”
The competition will culminate in a celebratory event on November 21st at the “Pathway to the Presidency” installation. This exhibit, located at the Campus Store in the Student Union Memorial Center, is a collaboration with the Museum of Democracy, the Arizona Board of Regents’ Presidential Project, and the Freedom Center. Austin Wright, chairman of the Museum of Democracy, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, noting the significance of honoring the past while crafting ideas for a brighter future.
During the event, selected high school students will present their speeches live, with the audience voting for the winner. Attendees will also vote on the middle school submissions. Winners will receive awards from David Litt, a former senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama. Prizes include $400 for the first-place high school student and $200 for the top middle school student, along with additional prizes for runners-up and category winners.
Teachers are also incentivized to participate, with each student entry counting as a raffle entry for a $500 prize. The Freedom Center has developed educational resources to support classroom participation, and the raffle winner will be announced during the event.
Crafting a Campaign
The Pathway to the Presidency contest is part of a larger educational initiative led by Mari Clark, outreach coordinator at the Museum of Democracy. The current exhibit showcases the evolution of presidential campaigns and is designed to complement the competition by providing historical context. Clark, who is actively engaging teachers and educational organizations, noted the importance of teaching students how to engage in civil discourse, especially in today’s politically charged environment.
The Freedom Center is accepting student submissions until November 14th. Detailed information about the competition, available educational materials, and event registration can be found on the Freedom Center’s website.
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