by Nicole Cooper

                  How many eighteen-year olds take advantage of their right to vote? Usually, not many. On October 25^th 2006, we had a special visitor at Barnes Learning Center by the name of Betty Ireland, who wanted to change that trend. She is the Secretary of the State, and she came to talk to us about two very important amendments of the United States Constitution. One is the 26^th Amendment which gave 18 year olds the legal right to vote, and the 2^nd one is the 18^th Amendment which allowed women to vote. Betty taught us a lot about voting and told us about her position as secretary. She is an amazing woman who has an incredible love for people. Betty and most of the faculty and students here at Barnes believe it’s very important to vote and have your voice heard. Betty says there’s "No excuse, Vote!" and "You should never give up the Precious Right to vote." She was an inspiration to the school.

                   This election season, we have a voting poll here at school; all students are being given the right to vote, no matter what the age. Barnes teachers are giving the students a unique experience; most of us aren’t old enough to voice our own opinions about democracy yet, and they are allowing us that privilege. Following Ms. Ireland's visit, on  November 6^th 2006, we all gathered in Mrs. Lawson’s room and voted! For most of us, it was just another day at school but some students took a lot more out of it. For some it was being given the right to make a major decision about how you feel and who you want to have representing our state. They’re our voice. In the words of Betty Ireland, "Get out and make your voice heard...Voting is Powerful!"