A screen shot of the Harbison Wade Elm. entry on Facebook
Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- Could the answer to our country's economic problems lie in an elementary school classroom?
Students from across the country and right here in the Midlands are letting the future president, whoever he may be, know just what they think could be the key to economic success.
A class at Harbison West Elementary School is competing in a national contest with their advice.
Fifth grade teacher Lori Wenzinger wanted her students to engage in what is going on in the world. So with some camera magic and the powers of the internet, they are speaking out on where the country should be heading.
"I wanna vote really bad because all the parents, they're talking about it right now, and I really wanna vote," said Malik Seabrook.
"I've been watching the debates at home with my parents," said Kyla Osborn.
"I'm very excited to vote when I turn 18," said Angelo Addison.
They may not be able to vote for a few more years, but that didn't stop these fifth graders from weighing in on one of the most important factors in the upcoming presidential election, the economy.
"I just really want my future president to care about improving the US and what it needs help with," said Kirsten Oliver.
Wenzinger wanted to show her students that their words have power, and that even though they're young they still have a voice.
"This is a real world connection I want them to understand that there's learning for a purpose and that what they're doing can impact others and and what I've always told them is that with their gifts come responsibilities and that their dreams can become something if they take action," said Wenzinger.
The class spent about a week preparing to submit entries to the Council for Economic Education's national election video contest, which asked students "what should the next president do to improve the economy?"
The class did interviews with their parents, researched President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney and wrote 60 second speeches, condensing some pretty big suggestions, and a lot of ideas.
"We should reduce unemployment," said Osborn.
"I suggest that they lower the inflation rate," said Lauren Chen.
"Decrease gas prices," offered Seabrook.
"Stop the pork-barrel spending," explained Lauren Summers.
"Lower the tax rates on the lower middle class," said Ian Bates-Shurett.
Now, after studying the issues and the candidates, the students say they are laying a good foundation for their future.
"It's important because when you grow up you can vote," said Chen.
So when that day finally comes, they'll be ready.
Wenzinger's class is up against nearly 40 schools of all levels across the country.
Click Here to Vote for Mrs. Wenzinger's Students on Facebook
To vote, look for Mrs. Wenzinger's class on the alphabetical list on the right side of the page.
As of Friday morning, Kyla Osborn was ranked fourth nationally, with more than 680 votes. She presented her suggestions as the "Economy Magician".
Lauren Chen came in at 17 with 151 votes.
The winning school will bring home $500 for American Express to use on class room resources.
Wenzinger says they students have already decided they would like to spend the money on more books for the class.
You can vote once a day until October 23 at 3 p.m.