On Wed, Oct. 23, the freshmen class elected their respective class officers and grade representatives.
Among the newly elected freshmen officers are President Marleigh Massoud, Vice President Cindy Chou and Class Secretary Katelyn Herlitz. The three Representatives are Eden Collins, Samantha Engberg and Anthony Harris.
“I feel so proud to be elected [and] that my peers trust me with this responsibility,” Massoud said.
Each elected representative devoted time to crafting and practicing their speeches. Delivered on Oct. 18, these speeches provided the class with an understanding of each candidate’s goals for the year.
Chou said she worked tirelessly to give an excellent speech, as this was an opportunity for her to fulfill her goal of helping the class.
“I had spent nights perfecting my speech, in hopes that it would strike my peers as convincing,” Chou said.
The opportunity to provide leadership for the grade, according to Chou, had always been important to her. When asked in an email, the other class representatives said they felt a similar way.
“To be in this role means that I get to lead the class through its highs and its lows,” Massoud said. “It is something I have always wanted, to question prior ideas, shape the new ones and hold responsibility over my peers.”
As the representatives show eagerness for their new positions, Ninth Grade Class Dean Jacob Luna-Cruz says he is prepared to watch these leaders emerge.
“It is exciting to see these ninth-grade leaders stepping up,” Luna-Cruz said. “I am confident they will bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our Upper School.”
The freshman Class Officers and Representatives participated in an organized Student Council meeting on Oct. 24, where they were introduced to the rest of the Upper School Student Council members. Additionally, in this meeting the newly elected members participated in a cell-phone policy deliberation.
“We have already gotten the chance to voice ourselves when looking at next year’s policies, and I plan on continuing that,” Massoud said.
Taking on these responsibilities, each elected official is prepared to step into the positions left by the previous officers. According to Luna-Cruz, they will hopefully improve student life and connections within the Upper School.
“The strong leadership that [Student Council] demonstrates has set a high bar,” Luna-Cruz said. “I am confident our ninth-grade class officers will contribute to create a more vibrant student life in our community.”
The elected students have many goals for the freshmen class. With their positions, these officers will be able to see their plans put into action throughout the year.
“Being Class President allows me to grow my connections with every single person in our grade,” Massoud said. “I feel that is my obligation; to represent someone, I have to first know them.”
