TECUMSEH, Mich. — Tecumseh High School students Yuritzi Perez, Logan Tanner and Drew Fetty may not be old enough to vote yet, but they aren't letting that stop them from participating in the general election.
The three students, who have been learning about the fundamentals of government and citizenship this semester, were selected from a pool of about 20 applicants to serve as election inspectors and help county and submit votes on Election Day.
"It's pretty fantastic. I never saw myself putting myself out there like this, and now that I am, it feels great,” Yuritzi said.
Logan said he jumped on the opportunity right away, thanks to his government teacher, Aaron Huck.
"Always big in politics with my family, so being able to work as an election worker, student election worker, it's a fantastic experience," Logan said. I'm so glad that I really got this opportunity to work here."
Huck, who teaches all three of the selected students, says hands-on experiences are sometimes best outside of the classroom.
Yuritzi, Logan and Drew have a busy schedule ahead, though. They'll first get certified with the Lenawee County Board of Elections. Then, they'll learn what the polling location is going to be like and what their expectations are for the big day, which includes working from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
"We're just super impressed that they've stepped up, they put themselves out there. Might be something that's a little bit uncomfortable to them, but sometimes you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable, and I think it's a great life lesson for them all the way around the election process, but also getting themselves out there and being part of the public and contributing to society,” Huck said.
All three students are certified for two years to be election workers in Lenawee County, according to the school district.
"It's worth trying every year, just if you want to do it," Drew said. "It's a great learning experience ... and it's a good thing to try."