Covering history in Hempstead

Lawrence High teacher and grads attend Hofstra debate

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Among the credentialed press corps that covered the presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump at Hofstra University on Monday were a Lawrence High school social studies teacher and three 2016 graduates.

Teacher Frank Zangari, along with Natalie Azcona, Frank Manara and Ashley Sandoval, posted photos on Instagram and tweeted throughout the debate — some of the tweets appeared on TV. In addition, the quartet was interviewed live by C-SPAN Monday afternoon, and Azcona did a solo interview, which was taped and shown later on the cable network.

The Lawrence grads strolled around the Hofstra campus and interviewed political leaders, celebrities and Hofstra students on the anniversary of the first televised president debate, on Sept. 26, 1960, between Sen. John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard M. Nixon. The material will be used for segments on “Meet the Leaders,” a local cable show.

“I had an amazing experience today at the first presidential debate of 2016,” said Azcona, a freshman at the Fashion Institute of Technology. “Whether I was interviewing Hofstra students or well-known individuals such as the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Congressman Steve Israel, I must say I truthfully have taken so much from today.”

Azcona said that even at her school, which is so focused on fashion, her peers are discussing the presidential election — and, yes, she took note of what Clinton and Trump wore at the debate.

Zangari also took Lawrence High students to the 2012 presidential debate at Hofstra. “In 2012 I connected with MSG Varsity, and we covered the debate with four Lawrence seniors,” he recalled. “Since then, Cablevision [now Altice] reached out, and I figured I’d take a shot for a similar opportunity. The only thing is the new regulations. No one under 18 could attend, so I got kids who just graduated.”

For Zangari, who teaches government and policy classes, attending the debate is akin to seeing the theories and facts he discusses in class come to life. “We come to school and talk about how to solve societal issues,” he said.

Manara said he was interested in seeing how it all played out behind the scenes from his vantage point in the Media Filing Center. “I want to hear what both candidates will showcase as their vision for America,” said the first-year Nassau Community College student, who is studying exercise science and was excited to meet legendary boxing promoter Don King. “This was a great experience at the debate, getting to interview all the politicians and Hofstra students. I want to thank C-SPAN and Altice for this unbelievable opportunity.” Manara also interviewed U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks, a Democrat whose district includes Inwood, north and south Valley Stream and Elmont.

Part-time NCC student Ashley Sandoval also thought of their experience as a great opportunity to view the environment of a debate, see how the candidates act and read the reactions on social media.

“What I found very interesting was the fact that when we would ask people what they expected to see tonight or what they want the candidates to talk about, their responses were all different,” Sandoval said. “Things I would never even think of for the candidates to talk about. It definitely opened my eyes more to what this country does need and what our future leader needs to address. Being at this debate and talking to so many important people definitely did make me feel and think more about who should really win, or think more about the many issues people think should be worked on.”

Have a story or opinion about the debate? Please send your story or letter to the editor to jbessen@liherald.com.