Name: A lesson in civics, and civility
Uploaded: 2025-11-17T00:02:03.538Z
Duration: 2 min 30 s
Description: Last month, in Surry, Virginia, 19-year-old Cameran Drew ran for a seat on the board of supervisors, taking inspiration from his high school civics class. His opponent? His civics teacher, Kenneth Bell. Steve Hartman reports on an election that could be a teachable moment.

Last month, in Surry, Virginia, 19-year-old Cameran Drew ran for a seat on the board of supervisors, taking inspiration from his high school civics class. His opponent? His civics teacher, Kenneth Bell. Steve Hartman reports on an election that could be a teachable moment.

Surry

Cameron Drew, a 19-year-old from Surry County, Virginia, ran for the county's Board of Supervisors and won by a margin of eight votes. His opponent was Kenneth Bell, a beloved local civics teacher and Drew's former mentor, making the race unique for its civility and mutual respect.

Throughout the campaign, both candidates maintained a positive relationship, with Bell even defending Drew against criticism about his age. After the election, both expressed pride and admiration for each other, highlighting the potential for civility in political contests.

A lesson in civics, and civility

To Steve Hartman with a real-world civics lesson. 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. 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. It's not going to happen.

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