On the same day as the United States Presidential Election 2020, Tuesday 3rd November, we were delighted to be part of Enniskillen Rotary Club’s American Election 2020 event for Sixth Formers studying Government and Politics and History. Government and Politics students from Enniskillen Royal Grammar School joined History students from St Michael’s College and Rotarians in the Google Meets virtual forum.
Mr. Bryan Wockley, of the US Consulate General Belfast, addressed the forum which also included a Question and Answer session, chaired by Mrs. Aideen McGinley who is a Governor of St Michael’s College.
Mr. Wockley, Deputy Consul General, speaking after the event extended thanks for the opportunity to speak with the “impressive collective of students, teachers and Rotarians in Enniskillen”.
He noted: “In historic times such as these, when so much of the world’s attention is focused on both the process and outcome of the U.S. Presidential Election, it is more important than ever to reaffirm the strong ties of history, culture, and commitment to shared prosperity that bind the people of the United States and Northern Ireland. I was duly impressed both by the interest and depth of insight expressed by the participating students, and hope these types of exchanges can happen more often.”
The initiative’s facilitator, Mrs. Heather Ellis, President of the Rotary Club of Enniskillen, who introduced the participants to the Rotary Club and talked about Rotary’s “worldwide reach”, was delighted that they were able to facilitate the schools’ initiative and felt it was an opportune time to hold such an event.
She highlighted the importance of working and connecting with young people, which she said was following through on an objective she had set for her year in office.
“It was a unique insight into American Politics from an American perspective,” said a participating Year 14 pupil, while another Year 14 student summed it up as: “A fascinating and easy-to-understand explanation of the electoral college process.”
They also praised the Q and A session. “The Q&A session on the 2020 election was relevant and could not have come at a better time,”
Photograph kindly provided by Roy CrawfordPhotograph kindly provided by James Little
