The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant

Why NC Votes

Ciara Whimbush, magnet senior and Editor in Chief for NC’s “The Chant,” writes a letter to the NC community to summarize her feelings about the election, and bid farewell to "Why NC votes."

Why NC votes

Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief
November 7, 2024
During an election season, several Americans recall the extensive history — and conflict — with how voting has operated. The vast and often frustrating methods of voting used in decades past can allow modern citizens to appreciate the current methods in place, while also remembering the fond memories that occurred on the civic struggle bus. For Advanced Placement (AP) Macroeconomics and honors government and economics teacher Dr. Pamela Roach, her knowledge and lived experiences of different voting eras allow her to cherish her civic duty, and teach her students to do the same. Although it may not be the most efficacious, I think voting is one act of political participation. You [can] write and email your elected representative, whether it's at the local state or national level. [That] has a place in democracy because how else will those elected officials know what we, the people, want? ‘We the people’ is a powerful phrase, and no one takes the time to actually go and let their voice be heard by these individuals. So yeah, your voice matters,” Roach said.

Why NC votes

Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief
November 4, 2024
As a diverse nation, the U.S. addresses several intersections of democracy and other disciplines during an election year. With concerns on the rise about climate change and public health, it comes as no surprise that science weighs heavily on the minds of prospective voters. The increased consciousness surrounding science and voting creates a space for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) focused individuals, such as ninth-grade biology teacher Leslie Lane, to enter deeper into current civic discussions. “As someone who is highly involved in politics, I see democracy playing out in my daily life all the time. From helping pass laws, contacting my representatives, voting and encouraging others to vote, attending town hall meetings, protesting and helping fund different politicians and advocacy groups. If it's a way to be involved in democracy and the political process, I have done it,” Lane said.

Why NC votes

Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief
November 2, 2024
At NC, students receive consistent encouragement to ask questions about the subjects they learn in class. In light of upcoming local and national elections, it remains increasingly crucial for young people to raise inquiries and inquiries and grow their understanding. For this edition of “Why NC votes,” a handful of civically engaged students reached out in search of acknowledgment for their questions — and now, they shall gain their answers.

Why NC votes

Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief
November 1, 2024
For several government and politics educators around the U.S., an election season represents a key time to educate their students through tangible examples. In the case of Advanced Placement (AP) Comparative Government teacher Carolyn Galloway, this opportunity not only excites her but fervently aligns with her zeal for democratic processes. Through her personal and professional experiences with voting and government, Galloway encourages her students — both those who can vote and those who can not — to enter into elections informed about any topics on the ballot. “[Voting] impacts your government, especially on the local level, because not a lot of people vote on the local level. Who you vote for, how you vote, and whether or not you understand what you are voting for impact everything from who your tax commissioner is, to who your president is, to what ballot measures pass. All of those impact the way the government works for you,” Galloway said.

Why NC votes

Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2024
With the deadline to vote ending soon in Georgia, several members of the NC community excitedly anticipate beating the long lines on Election Day. Students, like magnet senior Olivia “Livie” Duby, take time out of their busy schedules to intentionally contribute to democracy. For Duby, voting in a swing state presents a unique opportunity to apply lessons learned from her classes, unbiased news and open conversations with peers to inform her ballot. “I want to be a part of the change in our country. Right now, our system is fairly representative of the public, but by voting, I’m hoping my vote will go into creating our country a better place for everyone to live and thrive in. It’s not only because I don’t want certain things to happen to our country, but also because I believe it is my right to vote, so I’m going to,” Duby said.

Why NC votes

Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief
October 25, 2024
Ciara Whimbush, magnet senior and Editor in Chief for NC’s “The Chant,” writes a letter to the NC community about her feelings as a teen ineligible to vote as the 2024 election approaches.

Why NC Votes

Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief
October 22, 2024
As senior year begins to reach the boiling point for several students, magnet senior Pamela Musungu finds comfort in one democratic constant— the right to vote. Musungu, who will cast her first ballot less than a month after turning 18, fully acknowledges her Constitutionally-insured privilege of voting. Through research and preparation, she looks forward to heading to her local polling place and expressing her civic voice. “I vote because I can. I will always vote because not voting to me is a vote within itself. I believe who I vote for could impact a lot of laws and future matters such as Supreme Court Justices. I want to vote because as a black woman, I want to seize the opportunity and privilege so many other women like me lack across the globe,” Musungu said.

Why NC votes

Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief
October 21, 2024
As the 2024 presidential election quickly approaches, several young people brainstorm their voting plans to ensure their voices become heard. Students who attend college in different cities — or countries — than the one they registered to vote in cast their votes through an absentee ballot. For this edition of “Why NC votes,” six NC alumni from Toronto, Canada to Athens, Georgia showcase the cruciality of absentee voting for eligible, young people.

Why NC votes

Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief
October 21, 2024
After graduation, NC’s accomplished alumni pursue a vast array of opportunities through their colleges or universities. Despite attending school hundreds of miles away, the lessons learned during their respective four years stay close to their hearts— specifically the lessons that concern voting and democracy. For this edition of “Why NC Votes,” alumni from three recent graduating classes share their journey to voting in the 2024 presidential election and hope to empower current students to act mindfully in regard to this hefty democratic responsibility.

Why NC votes

Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief
October 10, 2024
Although she recently reached voting age, magnet senior Camryn Zwang acknowledges the significance of young people using their voices in a democracy. As an involved student and youth advocate, Zwang aims to encourage her younger friends to educate themselves on the upcoming presidential election. With thirty-four days left until she sets out to vote for the first time, Zwang looks forward to directly participating in American politics. “I want to vote because it’s important to understand the ‘wants’ I have as a citizen, and how the current candidates reciprocate that. It’s critical that I live in a country where I feel safe with the leaders we have, and this can be done by voting appropriately with the privilege I have of voting. I vote for my friends, family, and community. It’s important that I use my vote for those who can’t,” Zwang said.

Why NC votes

Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief
October 3, 2024
New Advanced Placement (AP) World History teacher John Mitchell recognizes that the right to vote does not always come as a guarantee in every society. Through his experience as a teacher, father and active participant in civic activities, he hopes to inspire his students who may not understand the importance of voting to register once they reach 18. “I vote because I feel like it's the best way for me to get my voice heard. Clearly, as a teacher we may go through greater measures than most do in terms of research of who we vote for; what’s great about voting for me is that I believe it's my way of deciding what is best for the future,” Mitchell said.

Why NC votes

Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief
September 25, 2024
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