THE ECHO

By The Echo staff
Reporting contributed by Managing Editor Cayce Hansel

One topic that has dominated conversations lately is the recent election, characterized by a fierce showdown between the blue and red parties. Each side presents a distinct vision, with differing policies and approaches that will shape our society in various ways.

Wednesday morning, former President Donald Trump was declared the winner against Vice President Kamala Harris, but what happens next? In December, states issue certificates of ascertainment (confirming who won the election), electors vote in their states, and finally, the electoral votes arrive. This whole process ends in December, with Inauguration Day being Jan. 25.

So, what happens when Trump takes office? Trump says that in his presidency, he will enact the largest deportation of undocumented immigrants in American history, sweeping new tariffs on imports, a freeze on climate-related regulations, a remaking of federal health agencies, and ideological changes in the education system. 

Avon High School students are split on whether that vision will indeed Make America Great Again. A 57% majority, in fact, preferred Harris’s plan for the country. From Nov. 4-5, 741 students voted in a Schoology survey conducted by the yearbook staff: 421 voted for Harris while 320 voted for Trump.

Below are some of the reactions to the election results.

• “I’m surprised. We already had one Trump presidency that didn’t end well, so we decided to do it again. Not the best idea if you ask me,” freshman Jackson Williams said.

• “I like his policies more, specifically, his foreign policy… I think his vision for the future of America is better than what Kamala would have done,” junior Tyler Valenti said.

• “I believe the results of this election are shocking, but no matter what, we should still respect other people’s opinions on this election and not bring hate to those opinions,” freshman Michael Zhou said.

• “I feel like we’re very big hypocrites as we view felons in a bad light, yet we would let a felon be in the office. They’re dangerous to all of us and all that, but we would let run one the country,” junior Kassai Mahamadou Maiga said.

• “I feel good about this year’s election. No one really knew which way it could go, but I think these next four years will be good for our country,” freshman Kayson Beutler said.

• “I believe that [Kamala] can lower taxes and she can tax the rich more and poor less… and that would make for a more equal society,” senior Jeremy England said.

• “I feel that some people have too much of an exaggerated reaction about the election. I am happy that Trump won, but everyone that I run into, they are either overly Democratic or overly Republican. People are just too exaggerated when he isn’t in office yet,” freshman Ty Birge said.

• “I’m shocked about the outcome of the election. Trump will do nothing good for America and it baffles me how people could be undecided or vote third party. Trump is not for America. Project 2025 does not benefit the average American. While not the perfect candidate, Kamala Harris is 1000% the best option we have. Every woman, person of color, and minority, whether they know it or not, has been failed by this election, and I’m scared for the future,” sophomore Keely Nance said.

• “Abortion is a very big issue; I think every woman should get the right to have an abortion if they really want one,” junior Brady Sheean said. 

• “It’s disappointing and sad that a criminal got elected. People have heard all the lies he has said and how he doesn’t care for anyone but himself,” freshman Lily Hwang said.

• “It’s very frustrating that we have this country of free speech, but you can’t talk about politics or it’s a touchy subject. It’s a touchy subject because its not about politics anymore,” senior Lilian Wible said.

• “Overall, I was mostly expecting it. I can’t tell if I wanted this or not. I didn’t really like either candidate. I don’t know how America is going to change,” freshman Sophie Conn said.

• “The American Dream is dead. I want to leave,” freshman Samson Bertram said.

• “Frankly, I’m surprised. I wasn’t expecting a Trump victory, and I’m scared for what the future has in store. So much is on the line, civil rights, our laws, our freedoms, and I’m ashamed of our nation,” freshman Santiago Jimenez said.