Name: 19-year-old defeats former civics teacher in county election
Uploaded: 2025-11-15T01:00:40.068Z
Duration: 2 min 25 s
Description: A local election became a lesson in kindness when a teen challenged and then defeated his former teacher.

A local election became a lesson in kindness when a teen challenged and then defeated his former teacher.

Surry County

Cameron Drew, aged 19, was elected to the Surry County Board of Supervisors in Virginia, defeating his former high school civics teacher, Kenneth Bell, by eight votes. Both candidates described the campaign as respectful, with Bell even defending Drew against criticism regarding his age and expressing pride in his former student's achievement.

Drew credited his confidence and preparedness to Bell's mentorship, highlighting the positive relationship between the two throughout the election. The outcome was celebrated by both, serving as an example of civility and support in local politics.

19-year-old defeats former civics teacher in county election

For being just 19, Cameron Drew of Surry County, Virginia, is ambitious, some might say overly ambitious. Hi, I'm Cameron Drew, candidate for Surry County Board of Supervisors. In last week's election, the young liberal took on the establishment. I wanted this job because I knew I could serve the people, I knew I could be an advocate for the youth and be an advocate for our county. It's a confidence he credits to an old high school teacher. My favorite government teacher. Kenneth Bell taught Cameron civics. Y'all know this fella, right? Mr. Bell says he always knew Cameron would make a great politician. A wonderful young man. He would have been formidable against any opponent against whom he would have run. That guidance has helped me and prepared me so much for this moment. But to get elected, Cameron would have to defeat the incumbent. A beloved lifelong resident and conservative. A local high school teacher. A civics high school teacher. You're the opponent. Yep. That's right. Cameron challenged his own mentor. Not uncomfortable at all, they say. Because he was very receptive, we were both respectful about it, so it was never an awkward moment. In fact, during the campaign, Mr. Bell says he found himself defending Cameron. Especially on the age issue. Yes, he's young, but he's really invested in trying to make a difference. You know, this isn't how campaigning's supposed to go. Yeah, I know. You're supposed to put down the other guy. Yeah, well, you have to be a teacher, I think, to really know this and to see somebody that you help to shape and mold. Take this brave step, not knowing what's going to happen. In the end, Cameron won by eight votes, to the delight of both candidates. And what'd you say? Congratulations, and I'm so proud of you. And I love you. I'm just lost for words because of the fact that he's been so gracious. A glimmer of hope, perhaps, for what our politics could be. I pray that all my opponents are like this. Steve Hartman. Not going to happen. On the Road, in Surry County, Virginia.

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