Three teenagers from Leeds are preparing to hit the campaign trail in the US presidential elections after landing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Imran Hussain, Gaige Corvo and Tila Robinson, from Leeds West Academy (LWA), in Rodley, beat competition from youngsters from around the country to gain a coveted place on the US adventure.
They will work alongside seasoned practitioners to help win seats in the renowned swing state of Florida.
Following 10 days there, the students will fly to Washington for three days to tour the capital and meet with senior advisors and journalists.
Dr Debbie Danks, director of sixth form at LWA, who will accompany them on the trip, said: “This is a huge achievement – they will be involved in something that is unique, exciting and something very few people get to witness.
“They worked extremely hard to be given this opportunity.”
Gaige said: “I’m hoping to gain new perceptions, skills and experiences.”
The trio scooped their places through the Act Inspired US schools competition, writing a 500-word essay and giving a presentation on how the experience would benefit them, their school and community.
The scheme was open to around 500 UK schools and academies, with just 12 exceptional teenagers winning.
The Leeds West students have been allocated Republican challenger Mitt Romney to campaign for, while others will be working to keep Barack Obama in the White House.
Tila said: “Even though I did not favour the Republican Party initially, I am still excited.”
Imran said: “I hope to learn as much as I can – especially since I’m looking at a possible career in politics.”
The pupils recently honed their political skills in a two-hour workshop in the House of Commons, followed by a meeting in the House of Lords with Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education. They will also record their experiences and turn them into a short film.
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