"This is kind of a surreal feeling to kind of be a part of history at such a young age. I get to say I actually went to a Vice Presidential debate," said Ulyshala Hampton, a Soulsville Charter High School Senior.
Hampton and 10 of her classmates traveled from Memphis to Danville. Upon arriving, the students struggled to describe their excitement.
"When you stand in the same place as someone who's going to make history, it's a great feeling. I'm going to feel enchanted," said Adrian Williams, a Soulsville Senior.
Memphis attorney and Centre College Alumnus Leigh Chiles in the reason the kids are on campus. She visited The Soulsville Charter School as part of a leadership council hoping to inspire high school seniors, but she was the one inspired by a quote on the wall from one of the students.
"That quote was, I'm a man of strength and determination. I will take the rocks that have been thrown at me, and build a castle," said Chiles.
When she got home, Chiles immediately emailed a history professor she had at Centre College.
"I said I would love to have the college host the kids at some point to talk to admissions staff, and maybe probably not possible, but could they come up for the debate? 24 hours later I had a yes," said Chiles.
While the kids cannot believe they in the epicenter of American politics, they won't be star struck during the debate. The kids say they want to hear what the candidates have to say about rising college tuition.
Originally, the students were collectively told to prepare one question for the candidates, but that's now looking less and less likely as the debate takes a more critical role in the presidential election.
