On Nov. 13, during first block, the Waffles vs. Pancakes debate took place at the FCHS auditorium. The debate was part of a weeks-long Waffles vs. Pancakes project in the classes of Government teachers Melody Morgan and Sandy McCoy, meant to simulate the party system and election process in America. The government classes made a mock election into an interactive and learning experience, as students and staff even had to register to become official “breakfast voters.”
“McCoy and I had no idea that it’d get this big, and had to open it up to the whole school,” said Morgan.
The candidates representing the three parties in the race were seniors Josalynn Wallin and Molly McCall for the “Win With Waffles” party, junior Owen Kaider and senior Davin Pieron for the “People’s Pancakes Party,” and sophomore Ryan Robbins for the “Breakfast Liberation Front.”
Before the debate, the candidates had been given questions, but for the lightning round, the candidates didn’t know what questions were going to be asked. FCHS teachers Amy Bower and Marci Guthrie moderated the debate, which was opened to the audience for questions. Some questions from students were about syrup monopolies and dietary restrictions.
On Nov. 14, staff and students got to vote to help decide which party would lead the Breakfast Nation. Nearly 600 FCHS students registered to vote in the mock election, and around 500 actually cast a vote, which took place through a Google form emailed to students. The final voter turnout was 70%, said Morgan. The People’s Pancake Party got 136 votes, the Win With Waffles Party got 169 votes, and the Breakfast Liberation Front got 103 votes.
On Nov. 17, the winning party was announced by Assistant Principal Chad White during Fluco Win. Senior Josalynn Wallin, candidate of the Win With Waffles Party, won the election and is now president of the Breakfast Nation.
The event continues to make news, as during the campaign part of the project, some students alleged that one or more candidates had attempted to “buy” votes. As a result, Morgan noted that the class is now working on a Breakfast Bill of Rights and wants to introduce an article of impeachment.
