*This story has been corrected.
Justin Wilk makes former students aware of local campaigns, and parents then have the option of taking their children out to participate in the political process. While Wilk does not participate with them, he’s glad to know students are their parents are getting involved.
By Stephanie Tipple
For PotomacLocal.com
Prince William County, Va. — A teacher in Prince William County has gone out of his way to get students thinking about current events and to get involved in the political process.
Justin Wilk, 28, a history teacher at Gainesville Middle School for, during this political season has allowed his students to talk about issues in class and encourages them to form their own opinions.
Attending college in Michigan and completing grad school at the University of Virginia, Wilk for the past five years has not only talks politics with his students but encourages them to get involved. He says more fresh faces are needed in local politics to fill many vital positions.
Helping to ignite in his students a passion for politics, he has also worked with parents who have allowed their students to gain experience by volunteering in campaigns.
Wilk volunteers for local democratic causes and devotes many hours a week canvassing door to door and dialing for votes. He makes former students aware of local campaigns, and parents then have the option of taking their children out to participate in the political process. While Wilk does not participate with them, he’s glad to know students are their parents are getting involved.
“I’m giving them that access and avenue to [the political process],” said Wilk
This fostering of interest has led his students to becoming more involved in local politics. One of his students was featured in a recent campaign ad for Prince William School Board Representative Lisa Bell, who is running for reelection.
Parents have been very supportive and grateful for his mentorship.
“I have to say that Justin Wilk changed our life as well as our son’s life in such a positive way. Justin Wilk took on mentoring our son and it made such a difference in his education and confidence as a young man,” said Jill Albritton, whose son has benefited from Wilk’s mentoring.
Jennifer Springer’s son also has worked with Wilk.
“Mr. Wilk works hard to encourage participation in the community through action. He stresses the discussion of current events in his class and he is able to seek out kids with the ability to speak well. Mr. Wilk works with his students to help them to develop their skills and motivates them to be focused and responsible, she said.”
Wilk said he may consider a run for elected office some day, but for now he’ll continue teaching and mentoring the political leaders of tomorrow.
Stephanie Tipple is a contributing writer for PotomacLocal.com.
