Intro by Izzy Feldman ‘21 

Hill students have been heavily encouraged to tune into the presidential election, it being the 46th in the United States history. Across campus, common rooms are full of students staying updated, while other ones remain empty. The SGA organized event has taken different forms with interest in the election coverage varying. 

Here’s what students from dormitories are saying about them now:

Rolfe Dormitory – Greta Haverstick ‘21

The energy in the Rolfe common room is high as girls sit (socially distanced) watching the election coverage. They trade political opinions and anecdotes about candidates and their policies. With the election being as close as it is, there is a tension on both sides of the equation. However, girls remain amiable despite their differences in opinion as they gather in their shared interest. There’s one thing they can all agree on: this decision will heavily impact their lives.

Foster Dormitory – Hunter Sloan ’23 and Peirce Hart ‘23

There are currently ten people watching the news in the common room. CBS News election coverage seems more enjoyable than regular study hall. Gavin Mpiana ’23 said: “I am so happy that we are watching this instead of studying.” Despite the fact that opinions are quite divided in the room, students are engaging in productive political discussions. Overall, this is one of the most interesting nights of the year as normally students are hesitant to hang out in the common room because of COVID-19.

Dell Village – Lauryn Fudala ‘21

The current sentiment in Dell Village is one filled with nerves and anxiety. Although some students have chosen not to pay close attention to the results, many of the 3rd and 4th formers in Dell have decided to watch, whether that be alone or together in common rooms. Lowndes is not currently having a “common room watch party” to observe the election results, although some of our girls, including myself, are watching privately in their rooms. Some 3rd form boys in Senter are gathered in the common room watching the results, but not many. Like Lowndes, the 3rd form girls in Scheerer are watching privately in their respective rooms. The 4th form boys in Ferenbach have not taken to watching the results as a group. After speaking with my fellow Dell prefects, a prevalent concern from their prefectees was how our community will respond to the results and how the political climate will feel this week on campus because of this polarizing election. 

Dutch Village- Jamie Olson ‘21 

While the students Dutch may only be 13 or 14 years old, they are certainly tuned in to the election tonight as it progresses. Along with following election coverage online and on TV, students like David Sun ’24 have some interesting takes on the election tonight: “In 2016, even though Trump won Texas, he called the race there illegitimate due to “fraudulent voting”, which is ironic because without Texas Trump would have lost the election. I fear if Trump loses Texas this year, he will again call it illegitimate and refuse to concede”. While students like David are keeping a keen eye on the happenings of the night, others are not so concerned about the results of this election. Emil Palacio-Alvarez ’24, when asked why he is not following election coverage tonight, said “I don’t know, I just don’t follow politics that much. My family and don’t tend to get into that stuff.” Made evident by comments like these, there is most definitely a wide range of political activity and knowledge in dorms as young as Dutch village.

Upper School East – Holly Perna ‘22

Upper School 1 East  has come together for family night tonight to watch the election and eat cookies. They have been switching between Fox, CNN, and NBC to get different perspectives. Everyone is feeling stressed and tense right now, as political views differ from person to person. Students all agree that the Head Master’s Healthy Day is important for mental health, assuming the campus will all be divided in the next few days no matter the outcome. 

Upper School West – Tommy Simpson ‘21

The students of Upper School west had a low-key evening in the dorm. Many students kept to themselves and stayed in their room to watch debate coverage. The floors were surprisingly quiet given the normal rambunctiousness of the hall and the only voice that could have been heard was Mr. DeLucia patrolling the halls.

Wendell Dormitory – Juanber Hinostroza ‘21

As Wendell moves into election night, the common room where the watch party would be held is mellow and quiet. Three juniors and a few seniors sit in patience as they watch the results come in. The room is quieter than expected.