The room falls silent with anticipation as students in Nikki Wiseman’s 4th-grade class await the presidential election results. Every ear is transfixed to the hum of the intercom, and an electric energy fills the room. It’s campaign season in the Lower School, and the excitement is palpable.

When Interim Head of School Steve Lisk announces the results, cheers erupt. Even though Gritty won the popular vote, Black Panther was declared the new president of Alphagator Island, further deepening students’ understanding of how elections work in real-world systems.

Across classrooms, the journey to this moment had been one of collaboration and a deep dive into the democratic process. Over several weeks, 4th and 5th graders poured their hearts into primary campaigns, vying for a coveted spot as a candidate for President of Alphagator Island. The final contenders—Black Panther, Barbie and Ken, Anna and Elsa, Gritty, and Peter Pan—focused on issues ranging from gender inequality and the environment to anti-bullying. Gritty’s “Embrace your Inner Weirdness” motto and Anna and Elsa’s rendition of “Do You Want to Have Rights,” sung to the tune of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman,” captivated voters with their creativity and important messages.

Head of Lower School Tim Lightman praised the election, highlighting how it fostered belonging, celebrated community, and created a dynamic and engaging learning experience. The project was more than an exercise in civics—it was an unforgettable experience that brought the democratic process to life. By the end, these young citizens weren’t just learning about democracy; they were living it.