Former Peabody Tanner Volunteered at Hofstra Debate

PEABODY, MA – Kayla Zerfoss of Peabody was one of 900 Hofstra University students that applied to volunteer at the first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Out of the 300 students chosen, Zerfoss was one of 25 students picked to volunteer inside the debate hall. Twenty of those students were ushers, and five – including Zerfoss – were photo runners.

"It was wonderful to see," said Zerfoss of the first debate on Tuesday. "It was really cool to see it up close and personal. You see it on TV but seeing it in real life is definitely different and very cool."

Zerfoss and the other photo runners ran memory cards from photographers to their news outlets to be put online. She said she was able to watch most of the debate.

"It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience," Zerfoss said.

As for the audience outbursts: Zerfoss took the instructions to not react seriously, but she was next to Secret Service agents that repeatedly asked people to quiet down.

Zerfoss is working toward a dual degree in legal studies and business and management. She worked on the Richard Tisei campaign two years ago, and has lived in D.C. the past two summers. Zerfoss hopes to go to law school after she graduates from Hofstra University.

Forget the first debate already? Refresh your memory here.

Photos courtesy of Kayla Zerfoss