ATHOL – Nearly three dozen Athol High School students spent Wednesday morning talking with area legislators about the challenges faced by American democracy in the 21st century.

Joining them on issues such as the nation’s social problems, privacy and social media, firearm regulation, women’s rights, good government, and foreign policy were U.S. Rep. James McGovern, state Sen. Jo Comerford, and state Rep. Susannah Whipps. The event was organized by Conor Morrissey, social studies teachers and co-chair of the AHS social studies department. This was the fourth year the social studies teacher has organized the event.

The students were divided into six groups, with each addressing a different issue. Individuals within each group were asked to explain the issue and present their own views and potential solutions. After a group had completed its presentation, the lawmakers would follow up with questions which were posed both to the group as a whole and individual students.

The students involved in Wednesday’s discussion included Lyndzee Leash, Meya Brockney, Dominic North, Morgan Parker, Mason Testa, Peace Osoro, Angie Walker, Dylan Nelson, Damien Cunningham, Aiden Jones, Alex Rosado, Aiden Bevis, Kiana Gorham-Ferguson, Nic LeBlanc, Jaylece Casillas, Brent Boudreau, Damian Howard, Justice Bettez, Ella Wessell Irizarry, Karmen Charles, DJ Flood, Aspen Therrien, Autumn Davis, Jayden Choquette, Alexa Williams, Dakota Choquette, Bernie LeBlanc, Aleks Allen, Ethan Heuer, Jayden Hobbes, Blake Sprague and Nate Given.

Morrissey said it’s important that the students take on a task that is truly challenging.

“I do this so that everyone at every ability level is faced with a challenge that they’re not positive they can do,” said Morrissey. “Every year, when we first introduce this, practically the whole room responds, ‘I’m not doing that. What are you talking about?’ And, in the end, almost all of them do very well.”

The topics for discussion, he said, come from the students.

“I ask them this question the first day: ‘What problems will our democracy face in the future?’ And whatever they say is their topic. The topics shift over time and they may change their opinions.”

All three of the elected officials praised the students for their work in researching topics and formulating their own viewpoints.

“I am so impressed with every student here today,” said Whipps. “I appreciate all the thought that every one of you put into this.”

“These were college-level presentations,” McGovern added, a point which Whipps and Comerford agreed with.

Whipps urged the students to take advantage of the privileges they will have upon turning 18.

“Make sure you vote,” she said. “We see people complain time and time again. And I’m not saying vote for any one of us, I’m saying do some research and vote. I ask people every day, ‘Would you let your neighbor come over and paint your house any color they want to?’ I’m sure everybody here would say ‘no.’ Well, when you don’t go to your Town Meeting, and you don’t vote, you’re letting your neighbors choose your tax rate, choose your government and choose your leaders. It’s really important that you show up at the ballot box, show up at the town meeting, and vote.”

Comerford added that the students consider running for office, that the issues presented that day mirrored what is dealt with on the local, regional and national levels.

“We need you to take on the work of policymakers, researchers or advocates,” Comerford said. “Think about a life in public service. Lord knows we need it; we need the next generation to be as smart and good as you all are.”

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.