Tomorrow will be decisive for our country as we head to the polls. On the eve of Election Day, South Dakota youth gathered together to celebrate their unity, creativity and my daughter’s 11th birthday at Vance Thompson Vision in Sioux Falls, SD. My husband works there and the physician owners were gracious enough to allow us a party in their building.
The Birthday Convention
The night started with plenty of media coverage, complete with adults snapping photos with iPhones and traditional cameras like CNN, Fox News and NPR. Everyone dressed up in their best outfits. Music was blaring through the sound system. There was definite party unity!
Candidates Think On Their Feet
Once the adults of legal-age left the premises, the party got onto serious business. Committees of 2-3 were given a Zip-lock bag of various things (maybe found under Libby’s bed). They worked together to solve their task- a skit in front of the group. Not long after, kids wrote their acceptance speeches that were given during Libby’s gift-giving time.
But the highlight of the night revolved around winners from the polls. Kids directed and starred in their own movies, submitted them to the electoral college (Libby’s parents) and watched them together. Like many political candidates, the goals were the same but their strategies (and scenes) used were very different.
Election Results
Best interpretation of Classic Movie
Rocky McKenzie
Best Christmas Film
Claire Jensen
Best Use of Props
Hadlie Groen
Most Creative Use of Wildlife
Chancellor Haber
Best Sound Track
Ellie Huber
Most Dramatic
Cole Hiedleberger
Best Use of Entire Family
Jeremy, Trina, Elijah, AbbyKate, Natalie and Elisabeth Hamilton
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Best Actor
Luke Jerstad
Best Full-Length Music Video
Addali, Caden and Dawson Dekam
Best Musical Score
Champ Baumgarten
Best Costume
Ronan Hartwig
Best Science Fiction Movie
Autumn Aanenson
Best Percussion Solo
Piper Sheets
Best Movie Trailer
Mason, Alyvia, Xander, and Addyson Herman
Best Sound Effects
Lillyanna Cazares
Best Australian Accent
Oskar Hien
Best Special Effects
Julian Brudvig
At a time when the majority of the country is divided about who should lead and what we value, it was so refreshing to see kids use their own problem solving skills to entertain themselves and encourage one another. I’m hopeful that when these young people can vote in the 2024 presidential election, our country will reflect the optimism and respect these kids showed for each other and their party last night!
Please feel free to share and comment- and don’t forget to vote!
More children (and adults) should be exposed to this kind if creative, kind, encouraging activeity. Way to go all of you!