Hill has always been a place where students can be informed and have civil discussions about the world outside of Hill, and that had been the objective of the Young Democrats and the Young Republicans clubs of the past, to varying success. Many people have raised objections to the reintroduction of these groups, and some Hill students are concerned that their presence may polarize the student body even further. However, with new leaders and new ideals, others are excited about what the future of these clubs might hold. In order to learn more about these two clubs and their objectives and goals, there were two interviews conducted, one with the leaders of the Young Republicans club and one with the leader of the Young Democrats club.
According to Constantine Kontes ’25 and Lauren Kuppinen ’25, the co-presidents of the Young Republicans Club, they want to “build a community where people feel safe and protected, a place where people can disagree but disagree in a civil and polite way.” In their minds, the worst outcome that could possibly happen due to their club is if it damages relationships due to politics. In terms of legacy, they want to leave an impact that will last beyond this election year and hopefully have the club continue for multiple years even after they leave. The Young Republicans are focused on the future, with leaders in the younger forms, such as fourth formers Louis (Quin) Zuegner ’27 (communications manager) and Henry Krafczek ’27 (social media manager). They have multiple events lined up in store, including trying to get guest speakers to speak at Hill, which, in their words, include “big name people, people you’ve seen or heard on TV.”
The Young Democrats also share a similar sentiment in terms of impact and legacy. Young Democrats leader Hilton Johnson ’25 emphasized giving people a voice to speak up about their beliefs and be more educated on political topics. He believes that this club is a perfect avenue for “more people to start dialogue and learn to be politically literate.” The Young Democrats club plans on supporting the Harris campaign in a variety of ways, even going door to door or helping count ballots on election day. Their overall goal and legacy they want to leave is to “give people their strength and teach agency in their lives and champion their own opinions.”
From the interviews with both clubs, what was most fascinating was not their plans or ideologies, but how much they shared in common. Both groups were focused on not leaving a partisan impact on Hill, on opening dialogue instead of shutting it out. In fact, both parties were interested in having shared meetings, a place where people from anywhere on the political spectrum are welcome to share their beliefs and feel respected and validated. In a time where political divide and polarization run rampant, this year’s Young Democrats and Young Republicans shine a beacon to a more empathetic future.
