Students excited to learn about social security, state
deficit
Gilroy – Matthew Wilkerson and Josephine Martinez didn’t know their social security coffer is already dwindling or understand exactly how taxes work.
But when Bernadette Arrellano visited the Mt. Madonna High School students’ American government classroom Thursday, they learned all of the above. Arrellano is a Gilroy High School graduate and congressional aide to Rep. Congressman Mike Honda, D-San Jose.
During Arellano’s visit, students peppered her with questions about the deficit, the power of their vote and social security. Rick Charvet, who teaches American government and art at Mt. Madonna High School, said the students were extremely interested in what the politician’s aide had to say, especially considering they attend a continuation school.
“These are the guys who aren’t supposed to care about things,” Charvet said.
Wilkerson and Martinez turned 18 in January, still they have not yet registered to vote. But the two seniors said all the real-world media Charvet brings to the classroom has convinced them that they have the power to make a difference at the ballot box.
And the students said Charvets’ teaching style, wherein he uses the book as a reference not the sole source, really helps. Charvet has invited other guests to the classroom including Gilroy Unified School District Trustee Rhoda Bress and City Councilman Craig Gartman.
“The book can only say so much,” Martinez said. “For me, I learn more when someone speaks about it.”
Charvet brings current events into the classroom by playing C-SPAN and printing articles from news sites. When U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was being grilled by senators, Charvet kept C-SPAN on all day, so his students would have the chance to see the action played out.
“We actually talk about issues that are going on right now,” said 18-year-old Kelly Andolina.
