McCain and Obama shake hands before the debate.
Students at Grandview Preparatory School, 336 NW Spanish River Blvd., have been engaged with this year’s election and took part in a mock debate this morning. Senior Logan Shalmi, 16, played the role of John McCain, a difficult task considering he is an avid Obama supporter.
“It was pretty difficult, but playing McCain and researching his positions only solidified my support for Obama,” he said.
The candidates spent six weeks preparing for the debate and had to become experts in key issues.
“We had to know their voting records and where they stand on pretty much everything most people would consider important,” said Shalmi.
Senior Jesse Sciacca, 17, played Obama and emerged victorious.
“I am very interested in the election and the issues and really wanted to be involved,” he said.
Sciacca is off to the Berkeley School of Music to study music management, and Shalmi is still debating schools but knows he will major in international business with a minor in political science.