Sag Harbor’s Pierson Middle-High School sixth grade students brought ancient history to life this week with an engaging simulation on democracy and oligarchy. Led by Madison Feldman, the social studies class began by mimicking an oligarchic system in which only a few students were given fake money and voting power. These “oligarchs” chose between local restaurants while their classmates had no say.

The lesson shifted gears as students learned about historical reformers such as Cleisthenes, who helped bring democracy to Athens. In a second round of voting, all students were given equal rights, prompting a new vote and sparking thoughtful discussion on fairness, representation and civic responsibility.

The simulation concluded with every student wearing an “I Voted Today” sticker, a small but powerful reminder of the population’s role in a democratic society