On October 23, Craftsbury Academy hosted a lively debate between candidates Katherine Sims (D) and Samuel A. Douglass (R) vying for Orleans County’s vacant Senate seat. The event, held in the Craftsbury Academy World War II Memorial Gymnasium, attracted a diverse audience, including parents, teachers, students, and community members. Moderated entirely by Craftsbury students in grades 6-12, the debate focused on key issues such as education funding, gun laws, cell phones in schools, and funding for flood recovery. The students’ questions were considered and well-articulated, and the candidates engaged in respectful yet spirited exchanges as they addressed concerns raised by the students. Several attendees praised the students for their poise and noted the high level of discourse. After the event, principal Lisa McCarthy stated, “Craftsbury Academy is thrilled to offer a platform for our youth to engage with the democratic process and for our community to hear directly from those wishing to represent them. We hope to be able to continue this tradition in the future.”