More than 2,300 fifth and seventh grade students and their teachers from CCSD celebrated civic education at KidsVention on October 9 at the Henderson Pavilion in Henderson, Nevada. This patriotic program was offered by the Kids Voting Greater Las Vegas Board of Directors and their partners.
KidsVention is an activity designed to enhance the curriculum provided by the Kids Voting USA civics education program. The 90 minute program features debates, after which students vote on each issue; patriotic music, and performances by George Dare who composed the theme song "Let Freedom Ring" with back up provided by the Greenspun Junior High School Madrigal Singers.
The four debate covered the topics of:
- Students should be required to learn a second language for high school graduation.
- The United States should guarantee health care for its residents.
- Junior High and high schools should randomly test their athletes for drug use.
- The United States should end its use of the penny.
Each debate had one elected official and one high school debate student arguing the 'pro' or 'con' side of the issue. Elected officials involved were: Nevada State Senator and Majority Leader Steven Horsford, Assemblymen Joe Hardy and Lynn Stewart, and Clark County commissioner Chris Ciunchigliani.
Kim Russell, a local performer, brought "Sojourner Truth" to the stage with a message on the importance of voting and exercising your rights and privileges as a citizen of the United States. The program was opened with the presentation of colors and flag salute by the Basic High School Marine JROTC. The master of ceremonies for KidsVention was Gary Waddell, news anchor for KLAS TV 8 (CBS Local Affiliate).
The community partners in addition to the Clark County School District are the City of Henderson and the Henderson Pavilion, KLAS TV 8 and their Community Pride Partners NV Energy and McDonald's, Silver State Schools Credit Union and SONEPCO Federal Credit Union. All expenses for the event, including bus transportation for students, were provided by the partners and a grant from the state of Nevada.
Link to the KidsVention 2009 video.
To view the results, please visit the KidsVention 2009 Results page or download the KidsVention 2009 Recap PDF.
Kids Voting USA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, national organization working with schools and communities to enhance civics education and provide youth an authentic voting experience.
Kids Voting Greater Las Vegas is managed by Democracy in Action, a nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors that promotes civic education and engagement through partnerships with K-12 public and private schools in Southern Nevada.
About KidsVoting Greater Las Vegas 
