MISHAWAKA — Just hours after South Bend's superintendent rejected a request for Hillary Clinton to visit Washington High School, Mishawaka rolled out the red carpet, and the city is buzzing.

Clinton will speak at Mishawaka High School Friday at 10:45 a.m.

There's a lot of prep work going into this visit. The stage has been set, bleachers have been mopped, chairs are being set up, and much more will be done before Sen. Clinton’s big visit Friday morning.

Sen. Clinton's visit is government class come to life for student council secretary Jessica Curtis.

"We've heard all about the primaries and everything that goes into elections and to actually have her come here is really exciting,” Curtis told WSBT News.

Friday morning Sen. Clinton will speak at Mishawaka High School for her "Solutions for the American Economy” tour.

"She brings with her a wealth of experience that day one she will be able to go into the White House and take over and become a very effective president,” said Debbie Block with the Democratic Party.

School Board President Larry Stillson says her visit isn't about politics; it's about education.

“For the students to hear Hillary, this is civics, they’re in the middle of history and some of them will remember it for the rest of their lives,” he said.

As chairs are brought in, police are on patrol, and welcome signs are made, students will witness politics firsthand.

"I want to hear her stance about college education, because it’s a big deal that a lot of people are looking into paying for it, financial aid and stuff like that,” Curtis said.

Stillson says the opportunity far outweighs any other small expenses involved.

This visit is open to the public. The gym will hold a little over 4,000 people and doors open at 8:45 a.m. We are told there will be time for questions and answers with Sen. Clinton at the end.

For the latest on Sen. Clinton’s visit to Mishawaka, stay with WSBT News and WSBT.com.