Suffolk Reporter

Students at Moriches Elementary School engaged in a unique election day activity on the Monday before the 2024 presidential and local elections. The event allowed them to vote on which Disney characters their principal, Deirdre Redding, and assistant principal, Nikki Stallone, should dress as after Election Day. The options were Angel and Stitch from "Lilo and Stitch" or Mike and Sulley from "Monsters Inc."

The initiative aimed to educate students about voting processes. The school transformed Pod 1 into a mock polling station where students signed in at the front desk before casting their votes. After voting, they received "I Voted" stickers.

Following Election Day, students returned to see Mrs. Redding and Mrs. Stallone dressed as Angel and Stitch atop the school's roof, marking a victory for the Lilo and Stitch characters by a count of 501-315 votes. Students were excited to see their leaders in costume.

“The hands-on experience helped our students understand the importance of making decisions through voting while learning about fairness, responsibility and civic participation,” said Mrs. Redding. She highlighted that it was an engaging way for students to learn about voting power and respecting differing opinions.

Mrs. Redding expressed gratitude towards teachers and the PTO for their efforts in organizing this educational event.