Students in the eighth grade Accelerated Language Arts class at Polk County Middle School participated in an exercise in democracy. Students divided themselves into teams, established a government philosophy, wrote a treatise, designed maps, created a constitution and had to defend their positions to the class. The students then voted for the most plausible and sustainable government. This year’s winner was the “Islands of Bliss.” This government’s focus included equality, self-expression, fairness and national tranquility. Congratulations to Founding Mothers Marilyn Castillo-Ibarra, Madison Smith, Kristen Hall and Skye Spinner. (photo submitted by Jeanne Ferran)