Political Pioneers Club Promotes Unity Through Politics

Political Pioneers (left to right): Nathan Bing (11), Leah Harmon (12), Kole Denny (12), Lee White (11), Alaina Roberts (11) at a fundraiser for Hurricane Helene Relief through the Hunger and Health Coalition, 2025 Photo Creds: Andrew Larson

Abbi Clark, Sports Desk for The Powderhorn

Ignorance can lead to disaster, so many would agree that it is vital for citizens to stay informed about what is going on around them. A major part of that is knowing the events that are taking place within a country’s government, whether it be local, state, or national governments. One club at the high school has taken on the daunting task of informing and working to help the Watauga High School student body with political and civic literacy. That club is Political Pioneers.

“This is a student created club, and their primary function is to try to help their peers understand more about civic life here in America,” said club advisor and history teacher at WHS, Samuel Vining. “Everything from their rights to being an informed citizen, knowing about what's happening in the United States today, and in their state, and in their town.” 

The club meets every Tuesday after school and collaborates with each other to discuss government functionalities and events on all levels. From local to global politics, no event is too big or too small.

“A big part of our club is the study of political science, sociology, history, and US civics and how to engage with it,” said the club’s President, Kole Denny. “However, beyond this, members learn to interact with others who share and differ from their opinions, and to think critically beyond their own views.”

During meetings, the club engages in a current events update, which they call “What’s Boomin?’”. This can be used as an unbiased news source to find out what political events are going on. The club has also worked on expanding its community impact. 

“Normally, we begin each meeting with a neutral rundown on the most recent international and domestic political events,” said Kasen Triplett, a club member of Political Pioneers. “Then we have time to talk about them before we move on to working on our individual projects and diving into some historical context relevant to a common and controversial political event of today.”

Political Pioneers has grown throughout the years of its existence with the help of club fair promotions, flyers, and word of mouth. The club is mainly run by student leaders and officers, and meetings can have anywhere from 20 to 35 members show up.

“Over the two years of this club's existence,” said Denny, “Political Pioneers has conducted voter drives for local elections, toy drives, bake sales, and volunteering events for charities and organizations such as the Hospitality House, all of which have been done to tackle real social and political issues in our society.”

This year, the members of Political Pioneers have taken on the task of completing public action projects. These projects can be team-based or individual, and use research to try to find a solution to a social, political, or civic issue.

“My project is about the issues surrounding child care,” said Triplett, “Specifically, the lack of proper facilities that will take in children at or under two years old, and how important it is to new parents that those kinds of facilities be within reach. Either through private or public means.”

Triplett’s project is just one of many that are being researched within the club. It has fostered great ideas and manageable solutions with the help of bright student members. When looking towards the future, Political Pioneers wishes to continue to provide a safe space for student voices and ideas to be produced.

“The community we've fostered by far is the coolest part,” said Denny. “The club has genuinely created a diverse community that is not only curious but also compassionate and empathetic toward all members, including those with differing views. If it weren't for that, this club couldn't handle the critical work and subjects that we do.”

Political Pioneers prides itself on its growth and open-mindedness. The club welcomes all students, especially those interested in government and politics. They are introducing a Washington D.C. field trip this year, where they will look deeper into the government and how it works. Any student is welcome and inspired to look deeper into not only their government, but the world around them.

“It has been, and continues to be, an immense honor to have co-founded this club, and it brings me the utmost joy to see the curiosity, learning, and friendships it has produced,” said Denny. “Your voice matters, you can be heard in a safe environment. Engaging in civics is vital and aids in creating a better world for not just yourself, but for all who inhabit our world.”