Virginia teen defeats his mentor and highschool civics instructor in native board election

Surry County, Virginia — For being simply 19 years outdated, Cameran Drew of Surry County, Virginia, is bold — some may say overly bold. 

In final week’s election, the younger liberal took on the institution when he ran for a seat on the Surry County Board of Supervisors.

“I needed this job as a result of I knew I may serve the individuals,” Drew advised CBS Information. “I knew I might be an advocate for the youth and be an advocate for our county.” 

It is a confidence he credit to his favourite instructor, Kenneth Bell, who teaches civics at Surry County Excessive College.

Bell describes Drew as a “fantastic younger man” who he all the time knew would make a fantastic politician sometime. He simply did not understand that day would come so quickly.

“He would have been formidable towards any opponent towards whom he would have run,” Bell advised CBS Information.

And Drew says it was Bell’s “steerage” that “helped me and ready me a lot for this second.”

However there was a catch in Drew’s marketing campaign. To get elected, Drew must defeat the incumbent, a beloved lifelong resident and conservative: Bell. 

Bell had held the place since this summer season in an interim capability after the previous supervisor resigned.  

Drew was difficult his personal mentor. However each mentioned it did not create an uncomfortable state of affairs in any respect.  

“As a result of he was very receptive,” Drew mentioned. “We have been each respectful about it, so it was by no means a clumsy second.”

In reality, throughout the marketing campaign, Bell mentioned he discovered himself defending Drew, particularly on the age situation.

“Sure, he is younger, however he is actually invested in making an attempt to make a distinction,” Bell mentioned, admitting that he realizes it is uncommon for a politician to defend his opponent.   

“Nicely, it’s important to be a instructor, I believe, to essentially know this and to see someone who you helped form and mildew take this courageous step, not realizing what is going on to occur,” Bell mentioned.

Ultimately, Drew received by simply eight votes finally rely, based on unofficial state election outcomes — 345 to 337, a margin of simply 1.2%. 

Bell fortunately conceded. And what did he say to Drew following his former pupil’s slim win?

“Congratulations, and I am so pleased with you,” Bell mentioned. “And I like you.” 

Stated Drew, “I am simply misplaced for phrases due to the actual fact he is been so gracious.”