It started as an idea that two Cypress Falls teachers began to develop a few weeks ago because they thought it was important for their students to exercise their right to vote. Last Thursday, that idea became a reality when those two teachers led 36 students to the ballot box.

Mr. James Parrish and Mrs. Kathleen Vargas heard about other schools in the district possibly planning a trip to take students to vote. When they heard that, they knew it would be a great opportunity to take students from Cy Falls. It was something that hadn’t been done up to that point.  

“I went to our great principal Mrs. Denton and asked her if we could make this trip happen,” Mr. Parrish said. “Mrs. Denton said if the district gives the thumbs up, she will make it happen. Once getting the green light, Mrs. Vargas and I sprang into action to make sure this trip happens.”

Mr. Parrish wanted to teach students the value of voting in America and how it can have many impacts on their lives.

“Voting is a Constitutional right that every American carries with them and should use,” Mr. Parrish said.  “It is a way to voice your opinion in how our country should operate and who represents them. Voting is key to our civic participation. I wish everyone in our country expressed their right to vote, but I wanted students to understand how important it is.”

The bus to vote left on Thursday morning with the students, along with Mr. Parrish and Mrs. Vargas. The plan went off without a hitch and many students were enthusiastic about the trip.

“Voting day went without many hiccups. We only had one student who couldn’t vote due to an ID issue, but every other student including Mrs. Vargas and I voted,” Parrish said. “​Many students were excited to participate in voting for the first time. It was really awesome to be a part of this experience.”

Mr. Parrish and Mrs. Vargas say they both look forward to doing it again if the opportunity presents itself in the future. Mr. Parrish said he felt very proud about the whole trip and felt accomplished to see the plan come to fruition.

“[Mrs. Vargas] and I spend our time ensuring kids who are able to register to vote have the opportunity to register.” Mr. Parrish said. “Now we were able to ensure a student had the ability to get the polls to vote. As a government teacher my content is real and students actually participated in what we talk about in class. Possibly one of the best days of my career.”