KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports, classifiedsC-SPAN bus visits Region 8 school

JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) - The C-SPAN bus made stops in Jonesboro Wednesday.

American History teacher at JHS, Bryce Bennett, says this was an unbelievable opportunity for students. "It's really great for the students," Bennett said. "For C-SPAN to be here today, because coming up on our election we've got a lot of kids who will be turning 18 soon and they need to know what they think. They need to know their responsibilities as Americans to vote and they need to know who they want to support and I think, if anything, this is going to spark interest for those who have trouble getting into it and those that are into it will just take them that much further."

Bennett says they were referenced to C-SPAN by Suddenlink. After they made contact with C-SPAN and confirmed they would be coming, they prepared their students. "As the kids have been coming off the bus, they've been excited. They've been telling me how much they enjoyed it and thanking us for giving them the opportunity to get on the bus and learn about it. So, they've been really pumped up about it."

JHS Senior Matt Fowler said he thought this was something all students should try to do. "I think this is really neat," Fowler said. "I think it's a great thing to go around the country and let students see. Especially, since seniors are going to be voting this year. So, it's very helpful for all that, teaching us."

Senior Loden Walker said he learned a lot. "C-SPAN, it was incredible," Walker said. "It's really educational and it's like really helped my political interest I guess you could say because I turn 18 this year and since I get to vote personally for my candidate, Gingrich, and it's like really shown me ways that I can find information about Gingrich or anybody really that's with Congress."

Bennett says he hopes students walk away with a true understanding of the effects of politics. "I hope coming away from this experience that students have more than just learned about the candidates for this election," Bennett said. "They've learned how involved they can be in future elections. I hope the ones that are already interested, that's great. But the ones that don't realize how much this can affect them. I hope CSPAN has shown them how much politics is in our lives every day and that they need to be a part of it, as well."

Senior Luke Ferguson he was thrilled with all he learned. "It was very interesting," Ferguson said. "I mean, getting the opportunity to tour a bus like this that's on a tour to the White House, it's really educational and just a cool experience."

Seventy-two JHS students got to go through the C-SPAN bus and learn all about its operation. After wrapping up tours with students, the C-SPAN bus went across town to Arkansas State University and gave tours to the public.

For more information the C-SPAN bus, log onto this website. For additional information about Jonesboro High School, log onto this site.

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