by Asami Nelson

A solid foundation in the knowledge of our political system is an important part of being an American citizen. Luckily, for students at Reedley High, the new Constitution Club on campus provides an opportunity for students to discuss not only the federal government, but also political institutions on the state and local levels. Nearly a year of preparation and discussion was involved before the club could be officially established.

With over 25 members, the Constitution Club has held several events. The club has already had members of the County Clerk’s Office discuss the new methods by which citizens will be voting. They also informed students about job opportunities at polling places and personally seeing the voting process. Students create presentations and share their work with the club, informing members about a variety of topics that open up discussions. These students are dedicated to upholding the knowledge contained within the Constitution, and gaining experience with public speaking through their presentations.

RHS members in the Constitution Club

Ray Dressel is the advisor for the Reedley High Constitution Club. He also teaches Physics and Environmental Science. He commented about the club, “The main goal of the club is to provide a place to discuss topics of a political nature. As part of growing up in a newly polarized political climate, it is necessary to have a safe space where students can discuss their political views. This club is NOT about trying to get students upset, mad, etc. As the club leader, I do not discuss my own political views unless asked by students, and I try not to be partial to any one side or the other. I think it is important for students to be able to answer these difficult adult questions without my bias.”

The club’s “Cost of Freedom” Presentation led by guest speaker Verne Schmidt, a retired Master Sergeant from WW2, also an RHS Alumni

Matthew Casarez, a senior at RHS, is the lead student founder of the Constitution Club. “As the founder, it is hard to believe that the Reedley High School Constitution Club is a reality. Creating the club from the ground up, and now witnessing the club growing at every meeting, is truly surreal.” He mentions that his goals for the club this year are “to expand our role in the school and in the community, making the RHSCC a prominent organization [and] the best of our school.”

The new club is a great pathway for students interested in becoming more involved in not only political discussions, but also expanding their knowledge of the national, state, and local levels of government. The students at Reedley High have provided enormous amounts of effort and dedication in order to make the club a reality.

You can find many more Reedley articles in our Reedley News category, including two more in this week’s issue!

Asami Nelson is 17, a senior, and hopes to attend Stanford University as a Biology major, planning to become a microbiologist.