Breaking: Sen. Ted Cruz to hold rally at Parkway West

Texas Senator and 2016 presidential candidate Ted Cruz will be holding a rally in the main gym on Saturday, March 12 at 10 a.m.

“It’s really cool that a presidential candidate is coming to our high school, especially one who is very high up in the polls,” senior Robbie Lasky said. “Regardless of whether or not you support him, it’s a chance to get involved in the political process.”

Rumors of Cruz’s visit began circulating Wednesday when students heard that a politician had reserved the gym for Saturday. School Resource Officer Scott Scoggins confirmed that at least two local officers will be present in addition to Cruz’s own security detail. In terms of policy, Cruz is known for his strong support of a flat tax as well as his opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage and Obamacare.

“I would imagine he’s gonna talk more about the economy and maybe some foreign policy; those are the two big things everyone’s been focusing on lately. Carly Fiorina is supposed to be coming, and I’m sure she’ll express her support for Cruz as a senator and a family man,” AP Comparative Government and Politics Teacher Mel Trotier said. “But from what I’ve read about Cruz, he doesn’t have the support of a single fellow senator.”

Principal Dr. Jeremy Mitchell assures students and taxpayers that Cruz’s use of Parkway facilities does not in any way indicate endorsement, and encourages students to attend the event as a learning experience.

“We ask our students to be critical consumers of information. I think it’s a really great opportunity for students to see the political process so close to home, and I really hope if you have an interest that you come up and see it. It might make you look into the folks and what they’re promising, so I don’t think it can hurt,” Mitchell said. “We always try to provide opportunities—provide venues—and students can participate, or sleep in.”

Free tickets are available on Eventbrite, but those without tickets will not be turned away. Doors will open at 9 a.m. and the event will begin at 10 a.m.