By Ali Mhusen ‘26
The 2024 presidential election is an important event. Students and teachers in Conestoga Valley High School strive to engage in discussions on Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, the border, diplomacy, and many more topics with deep thought and criticism.
Alison Miller, a senior at CVHS, remarked on her position endorsing Trump and thoughts on how we need to control the border. ”We’re losing control of the border. We need Trump to contain it.”
Conversely, Caleb Nolt, a senior at CVHS, expressed resentment toward Trump’s border policies, criticized Kamala Harris’s approach, and found RFK Jr.’s use of JFK’s campaign advertisements unoriginal. However, he endorsed Jill Stien’s Green Party, remarking, “Yeah, I don’t like those candidates except for Jill Stein.”
When asked about foreign policy, Caleb advocated for peace in the Middle East and continued support for Ukraine. He said, “Israel is imperialist, and we should stop supporting them and only support Ukraine in its war.”
Raphael (Raff) Massey, a sophomore, has a moderate view on the election. He spoke on how immigration affected New York City, where he used to live, and didn’t like Trump or Harris based on their lack of transparency. “The candidates don’t bring their claims to the exact detail—which is what I don’t like.”
An English teacher at CVHS, Mr. Jesse Shenk remarked about being afraid of what could happen if Trump wins the election. “I’m afraid of what will happen if Trump implements Project 2025.”
Project 2025 outlines extreme reforms in immigration, welfare, foreign policy, and government regulations. While Trump disavows his association with it, some of his presented policies still align with the project.
Mr. Shenk also presented an irony in the Israeli conflict that should be considered in the upcoming election: “The U.S. calls for a ceasefire in Israel, but still sends armaments.”
Mr. Eugene Johnson, a history and international studies teacher at CVHS advocates for policies that promote U.S. interests, human rights, safety, mutual trade, and collaboration. He is also concerned about the violent and divided nature of this election. “The discourse of the election has deteriorated—adults are acting like children—a lot of people will potentially be politically violent.”
Foreign policy-wise, Mr. Johnson believes that we should keep trade and collaboration with China while also promoting support for Taiwan, especially if, as he stated, “Taiwan carries conflict.” In addition, Mr. Johnson pointed out the U.S.’s stance with Israel, “What’s happening in Israel will directly impact our safety.”
As a result, he considers this election as being the “top 5” most important U.S. elections because of the position the U.S. is in globally: i.e., Ukraine, Israel, China, geopolitical implications. Additionally, the ramifications of the division that encompasses the U.S. could exacerbate violence, lies, and extreme viewpoints.