EHS/EMS Students Moderate "Meet the Candidates" Night

Several Eastchester students got a first-hand look at the way the wheels of local governance turn this week.

On May 4, members of the EHS and EMS Debate/Mock Trial Clubs moderated the annual “Meet the Candidates” discussion, an event that sees those running for seats on the EUFSD Board of Education take the stage to discuss their candidacies and their visions for the school district.  

Eighth grader Benjamin Lauriello, sophomore Audrey Badlyans, and 9th grader Theodor Kyufov served as the debate moderators, asking candidates questions submitted by community groups that touched on areas from academics and athletics, to PTA involvement and fiscal management.

Lauriello, who also served as moderator for last year’s “Meet the Candidates” event, said that there was a different energy on stage on Monday due to the crowded field. Last year, three candidates ran unopposed to fill three seats. This year, however, there are five community members—Reid Kornman, Robert Krukowski, Brenna Gethers, Sean Fellin and Jill Cosentino—vying for three seats, meaning that voters will have a decision to make. 

“It was definitely more exciting this year because the candidates could offer rebuttals and we could see the differences in opinions between the candidates,” said the eighth grader. “It was interesting to see that there were different opinions on certain topics.”

Senior Joseph Piergiovanni said that the event is not only an opportunity for students involved with debate to see how the skills they are learning can be used in real-world situations; he also explained that being a part of a debate like this—and seeing questions that the Eastchester community is asking of its elected officials—can give younger students a first-hand look at how the decisions that impact them are made.

“I think it’s important that kids try to pursue leadership positions in terms of civic responsibility,” said the senior. “Sometimes it can kind of feel like we can be overshadowed in the decision-making process, but events like this make it seem like candidates are more accessible.” 

Fellow senior Leyla Ozkurt concurred, noting that playing a role in a high-profile event such as this one can give students a sense of inclusion in the board election process. 

“In my freshman and sophomore years, we didn’t do this; I always wanted to get more involved, but there was only so much we could do,” she said. “Now that we’re having discussions like this, and we’re speaking with the Board of Education, I think that helps everyone.

“Everyone feels more connected,” she added. “It helps us to understand that these candidates are here to help us and help the district.”