A group of CedarBridge students learned the ropes of the political process at a leadership conference sponsored by the school.

The second annual Student Government Leadership Workshop, held at Warwick Camp last week, encouraged students to develop a team spirit and meet the needs of their peers.

The students were exposed to workshops geared toward improving public speaking and understanding the role of student government.

Student Council Advisor and Civics teacher Joseph Robinson said the conference helped students become active participants in their educational process.

"CedarBridge is always given a bad rap about the average CedarBridge student -- but 90 percent of them are good, positive kids, and they want to mend the negative perception about CedarBridge,'' said Mr. Robinson.

This year's workshop introduced the concept of party slate politics to student government. Student leaders have already given platform speeches for a school-wide election to be held sometime this week.

"As opposed to having individuals complaining without representation, we want the students to recognise at an early age that without representation, there is no power.

"At this infant stage, the key issues they are dealing with are immediate types of situations -- like changes to the uniforms and cafeteria food.

"They haven't yet ventured out to look at the larger issues that affect young people -- but in the long term, student government will branch out and impact the community and the Devonshire area,'' he said.

The two young women who are running for president of their respective parties are Vernika Symonds and Masante Maryam.

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