Ms. Trantham goes to Washington—her WA Caucus, that is!

This weekend, I shunned my usual Saturday attire of stained sweat pants and high school track t-shirt, got myself out of bed and went to my local caucus. While I was a bit disappointed that education was so thoroughly left out of the conversation—a co-worker confirms her caucus didn’t talk about it either, what’s the deal people?—I was impressed by the incredible number of young, issues-savvy voters who participated.

I live very near the University of Washington, so my precinct falls right in the heart of Seattle’s 17-19 year-old population. Everywhere I turned in my packed (and hormonally sweaty—the steamy picture says it all) local community center, there were young students debating the merits of candidates’ health-care plans, immigration stances and, surprisingly, their fiscal plans to save social security.

At the Partnership, we talk a lot about what college and work readiness means in terms of math, science, reading and writing. But Saturday was a good reminder for me that, combined with all these subjects, a crucial element to a well-rounded student is being an informed citizen and participating in the democratic process. Well, I’m proud to report the students I met on Saturday got the message.

Thanks everyone.