Hillary Clinton to speak at Mishawaka High School

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Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., is introduced prior to delivering a housing policy speech

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., is introduced prior to delivering a housing policy speech, Monday, March 24, 2008, during a campaign stop at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

By Tiffany Griffin

MISHAWAKA — After days of uncertainty it's finally clear where Hillary Clinton will speak when she visits the area Friday.

Senator Clinton speaks at 10:45 a.m. Friday morning in the gymnasium at Mishawaka High School. The event is open to the public and doors will open at 8:45 a.m.

At 2 p.m. Thursday the Democratic Party will hold a press conference at the high school. After the press conference they will begin making signs to welcome Senator Clinton.

School administrators have been in meetings all morning long and will continue throughout the day to prepare for Senator Clinton's visit. But so far the school is being very tight lipped about exact details.

Debbie Block with the Democratic Party says this is an exciting time for all of Mishawaka.

WSBT News was told the superintendent of Mishawaka Schools contacted board members Thursday night to get their opinions on Clinton’s visit, but did not take a formal vote.

The decision for Hillary Clinton to speak at Mishawaka High School came after South Bend schools turned down an offer to have the speech at Washington High School.

School board members tell WSBT a majority of them were against the visit.

Board member Bill Sniadecki, who supported a Clinton visit, says Superintendent Robert Zimmerman told him the school's focus should be on education and he did not want to put students in harm's way.

That decision had Democrats scrambling to find another place for the former First Lady to speak.

Two school board members came to the WSBT Studios Thursday morning to talk about the decision.

Bill Sniadecki wanted the visit to happen.

“It's an opportunity that we probably won't have again. At least the last time [was when] Kennedy was here 40 years ago,” Sniadecki said. “It was chance not only for the west side of South Bend but also for our kids to use this as an educational tool, and be part of history.”

Board member Dawn Jones had some initial concern that if other candidates came to town that they should also be accommodated. But she thinks it would have been a great educational experience.

“I believe that it's something that the students would never forget,” Jones said. “And it might be something that would motivate them to become active in their community and in politics and the whole voting process from now on. This would be an experience that would definitely teach them that their vote matters.”

WSBT News tried to contact Superintendent Robert Zimmerman for an interview. According to a spokesperson, "he has nothing to say on the matter."

Click on the link in the Related Content box to read a press release issued by the school corporation explaining Supt. Zimmerman's decision.

Saturday, Mar 29 at 12:41 AM Dorothea Felix wrote ...

I think it's terrible that Hilary didn't get to speak at whs. I went to WHS when it first opened up. There has been some negative press at WHS with kids bringing guns to school. WHS needs something positive going for them and i think that if Hilary Clinton was there it would of put a positive spin on the school. What a missed opportunity for them.

Friday, Mar 28 at 9:14 PM Lacy Hahn wrote ...

I think it is great to show youg people that they really matter. No what party you side with being involved in this, or any election is priceless.

Friday, Mar 28 at 12:23 PM MishRep wrote ...

Glenn: Shame on Mishawaka for being outclassed by South Bend - again. Mishawaka is a Republican City. IF the others come they will get the same WELCOME here unlike So. Bend

Friday, Mar 28 at 11:29 AM Teacher wrote ...

As a teacher, I feel it is always good to introduce our student population to politics. Hilary is an example of good as well as poor choices made in the profession. I agree the ideal would be to have multiple candidates attend so that students would have more of the big picture, but any exposure is better than no exposure. That said, I don't think this is about garnishing votes, it's about softening her image.

Friday, Mar 28 at 10:14 AM Sue wrote ...

Liberty NH: Sounds like you need to move to another country - America just isn't working for you, is it? Or maybe YOU should run for President?

Friday, Mar 28 at 7:43 AM LibertyNH wrote ...

the fact that a candidate like clinton (or obama or mccain for that matter) gets the level of support she does (look at all the inane comments below- yay hillary!) is a good indicator of how ignorant the average voter is... wake up America, these candidates will do nothing for you, they will continue to lead this country on it's path to self-destruction. I would go one further and predict that if any of these candidates take office, they will usher in the end of America through economic collapse

Thursday, Mar 27 at 11:06 PM Glenn wrote ...

A public school should not endorse or support one candidate over another. It's one thing to hold a fair debate at a school but to make signs and endorse one candidate is hugely disrespectful to those that don't support the respective party. Mishawaka school is trying to pimp their agenda by using their mouthpiece lawyer Hixenbaugh as always. Shame on Mishawaka for being outclassed by South Bend - again.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 9:48 PM PHS Student wrote ...

I may not be able to vote yet but that does not mean I do not know whats going on with politics. I am disappointed with what my generation is doing in school A.K.A. guns, drugs... I am so glad the Hilary is at MHS and I would love the opportunity to go and see her. Also, I am disappointed in the hypocrisy of the older generation thats in power now, and I am glad to have the chance to see a strong female role model for my generation.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 9:35 PM Diane wrote ...

This school district recognizes an historical opportunity -- the notion that 50% who support Hillary are not as significant as the 50% who support Obama? Be careful what we ask for -- we may wind up with a Republican vs. joining forces. A smart move to recognize a united ticket -- sides matter -- when they unite, they win!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 9:22 PM A STUDENT wrote ...

I am glad Clinton is here, and it is a great experience I would like to take part in. Yet I am disappointed that PHS wasn't given the chance to have her visit us. If given the chance (and the room at the school) I would seriously take a sick day and goto MHS.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 8:48 PM sandy wrote ...

I am very PROUD OF MISHAWAKA you stepprd up and now you can be proud ~sombody commented on PHM please give me a break seems PHM wants to control too many things already ~now its your day mishawaka and when she returns you will welcome her as OUR NEW PRESIDENT

Thursday, Mar 27 at 8:24 PM Karen wrote ...

I will take my kids out of WHS tomorrow and take them to MHS to see Mrs Clinton. Oh yeh, by the way I'm republican, I think SBSC blew it big time.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 8:21 PM JG wrote ...

Hypnotize and Paralyze.. don't be drawn in..

Thursday, Mar 27 at 8:03 PM Cream wrote ...

Hey Hillary, Iron my Shirt!!!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 6:43 PM Wally wrote ...

The presidency doesn't matter this time. The three all together aren't worth pocket lint. Local and state races mean everything now. If you want to vote for pres. I'm designing clothepins for your nostrils.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 6:23 PM Rob wrote ...

Hillary has almost no chance of being President now. She will not be able to be McCain. This is becuase in the very unlikely chance she gets the nomination, Obama supporters will either jump party lines or not vote. Use your democratic vote very wisely if you want it to count this election. There is increasing calls from the top Dems for Hillary to drop out now and not make them loose the election.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 6:21 PM class of '95 wrote ...

as a former student of mhs..good job school city.. on jumping on the chance. for sbcsc what idiots its okay to have pep rallys for girls basketball teams .but when it comes to a chance to learn something they say it was to disruptive... but kids bringing a gun to school isn't..

Thursday, Mar 27 at 6:20 PM Mitch wrote ...

Hillary has zero chance of being president. She in a very long shot now win the nomination, but most of Obama's supporters cant stand her and she will not get their votes. She would not be able to beat McCain. Democrats better choose wisely if you want the White House to have a Dem.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 6:13 PM Feeling shunned wrote ...

Was Penn Harris Madison ever even considered for this historic event? It seems the school system that provides the highest standard of services to their students, not to mention Mishawaka residents, would have been a more practical choice. In addition to the superior scholastic achievments and impressive variety of extra curricular activities PHM has shouldered the burden of transporting and teaching non-county residents. When it comes to 'Leaving No Child Behind' PHM has written the book!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 5:57 PM MHS mom wrote ...

We are not Hillary supporters either, however, I think Mishawaka allowing her to come is a great idea. And unlike Washington, Mishawaka is allowing ALL students to attend. I think it is a probably once in a lifetime chance for these kids to get a first hand look at what is involved in do or die moments of a campaign.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 5:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...

To anonymous who wrote that the public wouldn't be able to attend if all the students went. Newsflash. The Cave sits 4200 people. MHS's student population is 1700. That leaves 2500 spots available for the public. Learn to count

Thursday, Mar 27 at 4:58 PM Mitch wrote ...

News flash..most students do not get to attend..so no educational opportunity there...just a safety hazard and pain for them.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 4:34 PM mary wrote ...

It will show the kids that women can to any thing this days.Go hillary

Thursday, Mar 27 at 3:50 PM steve wrote ...

Come on Bill, we are Clinton haters.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 3:35 PM mike wrote ...

wow what a circus. board members throwing each other under the bus. opinions were asked-yes no? Were you board members not asked for an opinion? Hmm. Now the spin. Where is Zimmerman? Hiding? How did all this get to this point. Who is on first and who is driving this corporations' bus. Word of advice folks hire a P.R. person you all need it badly.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 3:26 PM Just Me... wrote ...

The way that I see it,students and people of South Bend did have a learning experience.They should have learned that the school board,just like the majority of people that live in the city are ashamed of the city government,schools,teachers,police,cityworkers,county in general.However,myself,I'd be happy that Hillery wasn't coming at the same time,she would have just told lies,exagerations,and general B.S.to the students that hear enough of that on a daily basis anyway.She can't win anyway!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 3:19 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Newsflash, politicians speak at all levels of schools. Watch C-Span instead of American Idol once in a while. At this point in the campaign, they can't really have meet-ups at people's houses anymore. They need a venue that can hold a large amount of people. As for disrupting school. It's one freaking day, whooptie doo! It could be used as a learning experience. Have the kids write an essay about what they heard & what they think about it. I suppose it would be okay if it was McCain, right?

Thursday, Mar 27 at 3:09 PM Priscilla wrote ...

In reading the official explanation from the school board the denial becomes understandable. It was to be a public mtg and students under the voting age were not invited - so what kind of a learning experience is that. Also the students would have been restricted in movement between classes.There was also a huge safety issue. The campaign staff did not seem very accommodating to the school. They were more than welcome to do an evening mtg. Hope the Mishawaka mtg turns out good for everyone.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 2:56 PM Chris wrote ...

To Bob H - It wasn't Washington's choice not to have Clinton speak there. It was the ELECTED school board.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 2:55 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I support the school's right to have speakers and not have speakers. While I do believe that this would have been a great learning experience, don't fool yourself. This school was chosen for political gain

Thursday, Mar 27 at 2:44 PM Anonynous wrote ...

Public schools are no place for one sided political rallies. Chances are very good that most students won't be able to go because if they all went, there would be no room for the public. South Bend got it right. I'm glad my son is in college and not at a public institution that helps the biased media push the Clinton's and their brand of "truth" down our throats.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 2:01 PM Politico wrote ...

Question: Does the candidate's campaign fund pay the school any money for using their facilities or are they just looking for a free place to assemble a group of potential supporters? And like most of the commentors here, they are all fawning over the Clintons and the media attention. Would they be so excited if it was Obama, McCain or Ron Paul?

Thursday, Mar 27 at 1:57 PM Anonymous wrote ...

to all the opponents of Senator Clinton visiting mishawaka H.S. GET OVER IT! you people sit here and complain about people not being active in politics and yet you want to deny them the opportunity to see a person running for president? It's because of dipsticks like yourselves that the young are not interested in politics. Btw, I'm a republican and I support this! It's a good opportunity for MISHAWAKA!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 1:33 PM MHS Parent wrote ...

I am glad that Mishawaka is hosting Hilary. SO many of you out there are so pathetic. It is a great learning experience and I would love to attend myself but I am not able to get off work. I myself would vote for Hilary, our economy was good when Democrats had office, it sucks now and I am very proud to be democratic, even if Obama ends up the presidential nominee, I will vote for him too. South Bend thank you for snubbing your nose and giving Mishawaka this opprotunity. Welcome Hilary!!!!!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 1:30 PM Bob H wrote ...

It's a shame that WHS didn't want a former first lady to visit their school. The west side should be proud to show her our fine young people. Oddly, the principle was in apolitical commercial this past fall for the present mayor. Shouldn't that be considered a conflict of interest. Our young people deserve better.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 1:21 PM Beth wrote ...

I think this officially makes South Bend a suburb of Mishawaka. Another shining example of leadership from Zimmerman. :/

Thursday, Mar 27 at 1:02 PM Anonymous wrote ...

We aren't good enough of Obama. He missed a golden oppetunity to come for dingus Day. But that is ok, because it seems like he has written off Indiana anyway. So open up your office, in a building, instead of a store front. It should be readly visiable, not have to go into an office building. That means the the Obama camp are a bunch of snobs.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:52 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Your ignorance is showing South Bend...Why would you deny students a chance to be a part of history, learn about government, and make better decisions than bringing guns, getting pregnant, or beating kids up. Maybe the WWF would be a better fit for the South Bend Schools..why whould they want something educational?

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:46 PM Todd wrote ...

I am furious at our Mishawaka superintendent for allowing this. Hosting a single candidate is not an educational experience!! All three would need to be present for that to happen in a debate form. This is totally one sided and I will venture to say many kids will not even be allowed to see her. She wants people who can vote and people who have money to give. You should pay attention that this was the only facility that would host her in town that was large enough..the others would not.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:43 PM Glad also wrote ...

Glad you are correct!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:38 PM jay wrote ...

So let me get this right. Zimmerman makes this decision, but has nothing to say about the matter. The other day he couldn't talk about poor progress reports. Be a man and defend your decisions. Love her or hate her, at least you knew where Joan Raymond stood on things.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:36 PM Ironic Laugher wrote ...

Way to Go South Bend School Corp!! Once again your poor decision making and bad judgment will cost the students and the City of South Bend a valuable learning experience. Time for you clowns to be voted out. I can't wait to hear the spin on this one. We certainly wouldn’t want to “disrupt,” our high school to provide and educate our students in a first hand manner about democracy and the electoral process. South Bend School Board and Corp wake up and start providing real learning experiences.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:33 PM A Faster Learners Make Big Earners wrote ...

Anybody remember back when Grape road was one small step above a two lane dirt road that led to no where? When I was a kid Mishawaka was pretty much like a back porch to South Bend. Oh how times have changed. Now it looks like South Bend is happy to be a door map for Mishawaka. Neither town is perfect by a long shot but the success the eastern team is enjoying, I think Rod Stewart says it best; "You Wear It Well" Princess City. Make no apologies. It's not like you stole it! They threw it away!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:24 PM Bill wrote ...

I SAID IT BEFORE AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN GET RID OF THESE IDIOTS!!! IF THIS MAKES NATIONAL NEWS SOUTH BEND WILL LOOK LIKE CLINTON HATERS. PLEASE FIRE THESE IDIOTS!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:17 PM Send 'em east wrote ...

Just like the businneses moving to Mishawaka, South Bend once again loses out......

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:16 PM JIMBO wrote ...

Unbelievable! Campaigning at a PUBLIC school. Shame on the Mishawaka school system! Just when I thought I'd seen it all. My kid would definitely be sick that day. I already feel like I'm coming down with Clintonitis after all we've been forced fed from our local media lately.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:07 PM Dawn wrote ...

Shame on SBCSC for declining a wonderful opportunity. The students who will be old enough to vote in the upcoming election are the ones losing the most - give them the opportunity to hear what Hilary has to saw and to help them make an educated guess on who to vote for.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 11:54 AM RAJ wrote ...

Way to go Mishawaka!!What a great experience for the students.You have to give Hillary credit going to schools where most kids cannot even vote. Wake up and see that Hillary as a mother is thinking of kids first and will continue this after she is elected.After all our children are tomorrow's leaders! Welcome to Mishawaka Hillary!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 11:51 AM John Wesley wrote ...

So the taxpayers are paying for her campaign now. No candidate should be allowed to disrupt the daily function of our already struggling schools and literally force the taxpayer to underwrite their campaign, hurray for South Bend,

Thursday, Mar 27 at 11:49 AM Des wrote ...

My children attend SBCSC I am sad the School Corp turned down such a great offer, this would have been such a wonderful chance for the everyone.Thanks Mishawaka you made the right choice.To bad for us Mr.Z and most the board didnt look beyond their personal opinion.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 11:37 AM a great eil wrote ...

i hope you all know she voted FOR invading both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 11:23 AM Block wrote ...

How much is this visit costing the taxpayers? At least the Republicans had the decency to pay for the Bush visit to Mishawaka.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 11:21 AM Hillary Supporter wrote ...

Thank you "Obama wrote" for the invitation, but Obama is not taking his personal time to be with us. I don't want to volunteer for someone who is not making an effort to be here.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 11:19 AM Glad wrote ...

I'm quite glad the School Corporation had the good sense to turn down hosting that socialist demagogue. Now all we need to do is keep her out of the White House.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 11:18 AM Politico wrote ...

I applaud the South Bend School Board for having the fortitude to deny Mrs. Clinton the use of their school system to promote her (or any candidate’s) campaign. Why is a high school so important? The vast majority of the students can’t vote anyway. She wants to use the school for nothing more than a photo / sound byte opportunity showing a big, high spirited young crowd in the background, waving ‘Vote for Me’ signs that her volunteers have handed out. That could be done at other venues.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 11:12 AM Mom of 2 in Mishawaka... wrote ...

Now there is a school that has a clue! I am glad to see not all of the school corporations in our area are pathetic! This will be a great learning expereince for Mishawaka's young people! Welcome Hillary!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 11:05 AM MHS Parent wrote ...

Thank you South Bend School Board. This will be a wonderful learning experience for the students at MHS. If the opportunity arises, I hope the School City of Mishawaka allows 'BOTH' candidates to visit!!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 10:41 AM Obama wrote ...

Hillary's visit is a big deal here, but not everyone supports her. If you would like to volunteer for Barack Obama, his campaign will have their headquarters grand opening this Saturday at 10am. The HQ will be in the old First Source building located on the corner of Main and Jefferson in South Bend. Come sign up to help locally!

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