(Enlarge) Glenelg Country School students listen as Upper School student Emily Sandford argues for the Democratic platform at a mock presidential debate Oct. 23. Fellow student Dan Burke, who spoke in favor of the Republican platform, was later judged the winner. A panel consisting of journalists and a local elected official who answered student questions included Republican Del. Gail Bates of West Friendship, who said the student debaters did “a fabulous job.” (Staff photo by Sarah Nix)

Partisan politics took center stage at Glenelg Country School during a student debate last week.

Upper School student Emily Sandford contended that, in order to improve the country's image abroad, the future president must keep in mind that "the first effort must always be diplomacy."

However, fellow student Dan Burke said the president's focus should be placed on fixing domestic problems like the economy, before attempting to deal with U.S. popularity overseas.

"We need to fix our problems at home and regain credibility," he said.

That issue and others, including the economy, energy policy and taxation were debated between the students, with Burke representing the Republican platform and Sandford representing the Democratic platform at the Oct. 23 event.

The debate, staged before an audience of students, was followed by a panel discussion and question-and-answer session with journalists and a local elected official.

One of the panelists, Del. Gail Bates, a West Friendship Republican, said she was impressed with the students' performance.

"These young people did a fabulous job of answering the questions," she said after the debate.

Glenelg Country School's Dean of Students Noel Green said the school has held several election-related activities in October, including mock polls and the debate, leading up to a mock election planned for Oct. 30.

Discussing the election is both timely and relevant to the students' studies, Green said, adding that a few of the school's seniors are able to vote this election.

As for who won the school's debate, the results are in.

"The Republican representative (Burke) won," Green said.

* The Glenelg High School Marching Unit is holding its annual citrus fruit sale November through February. Orders are due by Fri., Oct. 31 for fruit to be picked up at the school Nov. 15. Order forms are available at the school's office, by calling Cindy Desrochers at 410-489-4977, e-mailing fruitsales@glenelgbands.com or going to www.glenelgbands.com. The school is at 14025 Burntwoods Road, in Glenelg.

* Marriotts Ridge High School's Music Foundation is holding its first-ever citrus sale. Order by Fri., Oct. 31 for pickup at the school Nov. 15, or order by Dec. 2 to pick up at the school Dec. 13. The order form can be found at www.marriottsridge.net/FineArts/CitrusFruitNovDecOrderForm.pdf. Call 410-465-2344 or 410-442-5440 for more information.

* Howard High School PTSA will hold a Longaberger Basket Bingo Night Nov. 8 at The Lodge. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Food will be available for purchase. The Lodge is at 2832 Nine Mile Circle, in Catonsville. Call 443-864-0396 or 410-530-3829 for more information.

* A Child Safety & Protection Festival, sponsored by the New York Life Insurance Co., will be held at Cradlerock School Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will offer fingerprinting and photos for child identification cards, demonstrations by the Howard County police and fire departments and other activities. The event is free. The school is at 6700 Cradlerock Way, in Columbia.

* Centennial High School will hold a jazz concert featuring saxophone artist Matt Belzer Thu., Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door. The school is at 4300 Centennial Lane, in Ellicott City. Call 410-499-0133 for more information.

Send school-related items to School Days, Flier/Times, 10750 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD 21044. Fax items to 410-997-4564 or e-mail mroshan@patuxent.com.

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