CRAFTSBURY – Craftsbury Academy hosted a debate between candidates Katherine Sims (D) and Samuel A. Douglass (R) who are vying for Orleans County’s vacant Senate seat, The event in the World War II Memorial Gymnasium, Thursday, Oct. 23, attracted a diverse audience of parents, teachers, students and community members.
The debate was moderated entirely by Craftsbury students in grades 6-12. They focused on key issues that included education funding, gun laws, cell phone use in schools and funding for flood recovery.
The students’ questions were considered and well-articulated.
The candidates engaged in respectful yet spirited exchanges as they addressed concerns raised by the students.

photo by Lisa Stinson
Lillian Allen asked what candidates thought about adding non-hunters to the Fish and Wildlife Board. After the event she said she felt good about the answers and learned a lot about public speaking.
Douglass said the questions from students were good and very interesting.

photo by Lisa Stinson
Another student said he thought the answers from both candidates were good and was surprised they both seemed to agree on many things.

photo by Lisa Stinson

photo by Paul Fixx
Owen Foster, who’s in 11th grade, said, “They were both good candidates,” and he “wouldn’t be upset with either of them.”
Several attendees praised the students for their poise and noted the high level of discourse.
After the event, principal Lisa McCarthy said “Craftsbury Academy is thrilled to offer a platform for our youth to engage with the democratic process and for our community to hear directly from those wishing to represent them. We hope to be able to continue this tradition in the future.”