In an effort to teach students about how elections work without discussing controversial, real-world politics, FCHS Government teachers Melody Morgan and Sandy McCoy came up with “Waffles vs. Pancakes.” This competition is designed to get students debating about which breakfast food is better. Instead of using Republicans and Democrats, students in their Government classes are choosing which breakfast food they prefer while learning about campaigns, debates, and the voting process.

According to Morgan, this unique idea began when two students were having a casual conversation about waffles and pancakes one day during class. When one of them said how the two foods were basically the same, the idea hit Morgan that they could use this as an analogy for political parties. She and McCoy thought this would be a great way for students to learn their class material while using a low-stakes topic. Now, their political “parties” even have a mock Congress and a Breakfast Bill of Rights.

“They’re having so much fun with it. I’ve never seen my students so engaged,” said Morgan.

Morgan hopes this is a student-driven, fun project where students get to experience a mock election. She noted that many staff have gotten involved and are participating in special interest groups. For example, teachers Amy Bower and Marci Guthrie are serving as the Breakfast Election Commission, and Jason Barnett and Wiley House are forming third parties.

Morgan said that House has gone all out with his third party, The Breakfast Liberation Front. He even made an Instagram account, which now has over 600 followers.

“Both Mrs. Morgan and Mrs. McCoy are doing a great job keeping everyone engaged in class, but also allowing us to be so creative when it comes to brainstorming ideas and advertisements. We all love a little friendly competition, especially with such a back-and-forth topic like breakfast choices,” said senior Molly McCall.

Morgan also has her own fake currency, which she uses in class, called Morgan Bucks. When her students make ads for their Waffles vs. Pancakes campaigns, they all get one free ad to go on “In The Know.” To make more ads, the students need to pay with Morgan Bucks, which they earn in class.

On Nov. 13, there will be a final Waffles vs. Pancakes debate in the Auditorium during 1st block. All teachers are invited to bring their classes to watch. Their final election will take place on Nov. 14, when the great Waffles vs. Pancakes debate will elect a winner.