Parent to Parent: School elections

WSVN -- As our country keeps a close eye on the presidential debates.

Chris Relyea "They claim it's a moral issue not just an economic issue."

Students at Nova Middle School in Davie showed off their public speaking skills at their own mock presidential debate.

Chris Relyea "Up next, healthcare!"

Eighth graders decided what the important issues are and argued their policies.

Kyleb Bello: "I was on the democratic side for debt."

Twelve-year-old Kyleb admits gearing up for the debate was a bit nervewracking.

Kyleb Bello: "I was going to sleep at midnight for the past week or so."

He felt he defended his argument that lowering the national debt takes time.

Kyleb Bello: "I responded that Rome wasn't built in one day."

Fourteen-year-old Eleanor was on the republican side for taxes.

Eleanor Bock: "We argued that lowering taxes for everyone, not just the upper class will create more jobs by supply and demand."

She said the process showed her how critical debates are in helping undecided voters.

Eleanor Bock: "You hear like what they really think unlike all the commercials and advertisements."

Teacher and moderator Chris Relyea called the debate a success!

Chris Relyea: "So by the time they do finally get a chance to vote at 18, they are motivated and ready to go."

Chris Relyea: "Raise your hand if you ran in the primary election."

The fourth graders at Hollywood Hills Elementary are learning about the electoral college.

Amanda Hicks: "More people went outside and voted for this guy but this one got more of the electoral votes."

Teacher Amanda Hicks held an election for class president, complete with campaign strategies and speeches.

Amanda Hicks: "So the students went through all the steps the president takes to become president."

Each student represented two states to reach the 51 electoral votes needed. The votes were added up and a winner was announced.

"By electoral college victory, your class president, Sam Siegel.."

Nine-year-old Samantha believes her campaign helped her win.

Samantha Sigal: "I wanted everyone to have time to finish their work and have fun over the weekend."

Ben liked going through the election process.

Ben Roberts: "I thought it was exciting because each campaign put so much into it."

It turned out to be a life lesson as well.

Amanda Hicks: "This whole process, electoral process, not only taught them about the elections but also gave them such a deep love and appreciation for their country."

Kids also learned how to deal with rejection and how to be a gracious winner, also important lessons.