Culver City Observer -

Middle and high school students are rarely included in political forums because only a small portion are old enough to vote, and their turnout at the polls is usually less than robust.

That changes when City Council candidates answer students’ questions at the ‘Ask 2 Know’ event Wednesday, March 14 at 6:45 pm at The Actors’ Gang at the Ivy Substation.

Only students will be allowed to ask questions -- they will write some beforehand in their classes and put others directly to the candidates live at the forum.

A mystery celebrity guest will moderate the panel. Questions will cover a range of concerns among the students, including education, healthcare, the economy and the environment.

There will be free pizza at the forum and “sodapalooza” tasting with 30 sodas from around the world. A silent auction will also take place to raise money for Claire's Place Foundation, a nonprofit started by Claire Wineland, a 13 year-old former Culver City resident with cystic fibrosis.

All Culver City students are invited to attend. There is no RSVP or ticket purchase required – the audience will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, with an optional $4 donation requested.

Culver City High teacher Genevieve Rolfe is offering credit to seniors in her Government class for participating in the event. “Young people today are interested, they're listening. They are engaged,” said Rolfe. “They know that the world they are about to inherit must change, and they must be that change.”

Other teachers or students interested in participating in the “Ask 2 Know” can email their request to ask2knowla@gmail.com.

The first ‘Ask 2 Know’ was a packed-house event at The Actors’ Gang on October 26, 2011, where students got the chance to question Culver City School Board candidates. ‘Ask 2 Know’ is the brainchild of event producer Michelle Mayans, who came up with the idea after attending School Board candidate forums that she felt were neglecting the very people most affected by the School Board election – the students.

‘Ask 2 Know’ is affiliated with Michelle Mayan’s Kid Scoop Media company, which produces events that bring student news reporters and others together with celebrities, athletes, politicians, authors, musicians, and other successful leaders to give children exposure to enriching life experiences, positive role models, and the chance to express themselves and shape their future.