FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN UREÑO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
949-497-7700 EXT. 5232 | AURENO@LBUSD.ORG

September 27, 2024

Laguna Beach High School students champion civic engagement, host 2024 City Council Candidate Forum

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) will provide a unique opportunity for students and community members to engage with local politics as students of Laguna Beach High School (LBHS) host the 2024 City Council Candidate Forum on October 1. The event, which takes place in the LBHS Artists’ Theater from 6 to 7:30 p.m., will feature candidates Bob Whalen, Judie Mancuso, Hallie Jones, and George Weiss.

Hosted by students enrolled in the LBHS Model United Nations (MUN) class, the forum reflects the district’s culture of promoting civic engagement and empowering students to take an active role in their community. Moderators Carter McKinzie and Lili Bazargan, both LBHS students and MUN Secretaries-General, will lead the evening’s discussion, providing an opportunity for the community to hear directly from the candidates about their visions and priorities for the future of Laguna Beach.

"I am very passionate about getting involved in politics and believe civic engagement is of utmost importance," said Lili Bazargan. "This forum is the perfect opportunity for students to hear from the individuals who can have the greatest direct impact on their lives. High school students are the next generation of voters, and getting informed is the first step to being an engaged citizen. Also, I am a first-time voter this year myself and I’m very excited to hear the candidates’ visions for our city’s future!"

The event is free and open to the public, providing a platform for residents to learn more about local issues and for students to participate in the democratic process. By organizing and moderating this forum, LBHS students are developing skills such as leadership, public speaking, and an understanding of local government, all while contributing to an informed Laguna Beach community.

"As an individual who has been very involved in local governance throughout my high school career, from serving on the school board to city committees, I think it is incredibly important to educate the next generation about what local government looks like and its impact on our community,” said Carter McKinzie. “Considering the pivotal time our country faces, it is now more important than ever to ensure that young people are politically literate and engaged, and that starts with local governance, which arguably has the biggest effect on the community. I am looking forward to my fellow peers hearing our city council candidates' vision for our community and providing their perspectives on how to better our city."

"This forum highlights the strength of student-led initiatives and the role that our students play in promoting civic dialogue and engagement," said LBUSD Superintendent Jason Viloria. “Community events like these highlight the value of a high school experience shaped by student voice and defined by real-world connections, preparing our students to be informed and active participants in their community."

The forum will be conducted as a panel discussion, with questions developed by LBHS Model United Nations students. As time allows, there will also be an opportunity for audience members to ask questions. 

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