Perennial Pines Party Project Packs Political Punch

Middle School students were immersed in political discourse during a week-long experiential learning project that packed all of the punch of a campaign season without all of today’s rhetoric.

“The purpose of this project is to spur political discussion without relying on today’s political labels – things that sometimes can get in the way of healthy political discourse,” explained Middle School Director Brian Christman. “So instead of talking about the current election we focus instead on a fictitious third party that we’ve created.”

That third party, the Perennial Pines Party, has been in existence at Hamden Hall since 1993 but only rears its head every four years. Originally designed by history teacher Bud Kohler, the project is a teaching tool for political principles and processes, as delegates, party leaders, and media representatives (each student is assigned a role) explore the ideals of the left-, moderate-, and right-wing factions of the party.

For the right wing, the core message was freedom – as was communicated by candidate Liam Kohler.

“A vote for Liam is a vote for freedom,” he said during Candidate Endorsements, yet another component of the week featuring "real-world" public servants state Sen. Gary Winfield, Hamden Mayor Curt Leng, and North Haven First Selectman Mike Freda.

Moderate party candidate William Mollow’s motto was: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

In talking issues, left wing party candidate Caleb Bolden suggested that there should be different licenses issued for gun holders as there are for drivers. “So why shouldn’t it be the same for guns?” he asked the audience.

The project culminated on Friday with a mock political convention during which delegates cast their votes for the three candidates. Keynote addresses were given by state Sen. Len Fasano, a 1977 alumnus of Hamden Hall; and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, whose aide, Lou Mangini, a 1995 Hamden Hall alumnus, had worked with candidates and their staff earlier in the week on such campaign matters as platforms and speeches.

“This project gives you all an in-depth look at the electoral process in our country,” said DeLauro.

Fasano advised students to get involved and noted that the Perennial Pines Party undertaking is “an introduction to that world.”

“So stay involved, be active, and let your voices be heard no matter what your views are,” he maintained.

When the votes were tallied, left wing party candidate Caleb Bolden received the nod to lead the Perennial Pines Party. That said, the work wasn’t over for Caleb and his fellow Middle Schoolers. All students were required to finish their portfolios (a compilation of homework assignments from throughout the project, such as journal entries, speeches, platform statements, and more) over the weekend.

Click here to view a slideshow from the event.