October 12, 2005

High school students participate in on-air debate

Duanesburg High School students participated in on-air debate on WAMC.

Students from David Christopher's and Karen Kanarkiewicz's Participation in Government classes had an opportunity to air their views, literally, in a discussion taped for the Youth Media Project: Student Town Meeting hosted by WAMC Northeast Public Radio.

On Oct. 12, nearly one dozen Duanesburg high school students joined Barbara Bartoletti of the League of Women Voters, and Robert Ward, of the New York State Business Council, to debate the pros and cons of a proposed amendment to the state's constitution. 

Students came to the table prepared having researched and studied the amendment, which centers on reforming the budget process and will appear on the November ballot.

Student panelists, like Hilary Berbach, began preparing for the town meeting in mid-September. "We all had to write a position paper and read it aloud," she said.

Before the discussion, student panelists, like senior Chad Furman, had an opportunity to query Ward and Bartoletti on their positions.
"This was an awesome experience," Furman said. "It's great that WAMC provides a forum like this for younger people to express our point of view." 

Alicia Westfall agreed. "The town meeting was a great learning experience," she said. "The debate allowed everyone to make their point in a positive way."

"I was very impressed with Duanesburg's students," said WAMC Education Director Maryanne Malecki who helped students prepare for their radio debut. 

Participation in Government students who did not serve as panelists, as well as Mark Kepner's economics students, were part of the studio audience.

Dr. Alan Chartock moderated the hour-long discussion, which will air on Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. on WAMC (90.3 FM). The program will also be presented as a Web cast on WAMC's Web site, www.wamc.org.

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