Meet The Freshmen Candidates – 2018 Council Elections
It’s election season! On Tuesday, May 8, Hanover High School students and faculty will choose who shall represent on Council for the 2018-2019 school year. The polling station, which will be located in the Atrium (across the hallway from the Media Center), will open at 7:30am and will remain open until 2:30pm. All voters will be allowed to choose 11 candidates at most from the ballot, including candidates from any class or the staff. The 12 candidates with the most votes at the end of the day will become at-large representatives; once the at-large candidates have been designated, each class will receive 5 regular representatives and 1 alternate representative. It remains to be seen what will become of the staff will do since not enough candidates have run to fill all of the staff seats on Council. Elections for next year’s freshmen class (the class of 2022) will be held decided solely by the current 8th grade students at the Richmond Middle School, while new-and-tuition student representatives will be voted on in September.
This specific page is devoted to tracking candidates running from the class of 2021. They are currently freshmen and will be sophomores next year. A Broadside reporter contacted each candidate by e-mail and asked them a series of questions. Here is what each student had to say. Candidates whose names were denoted with asterisks (*) have served on Council during the current school year.
Other segments in the “Meet The Candidates” series for the 2018 election can be found at http://broadside.dresden.us/?tag=2018-council-election.
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JONATHAN LI*:
Why are you running for Council?
I seek to be re-elected to repair our broken democracy. It is my goal for Council to become a constituent oriented body rather than an oligarchy.
What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?
I promise as a member of Council to enforce your x-periods and rights to technology. Teachers will not be able to hold students over passing time; it is disrespectful to students and other teachers. I also promise to strengthen student-teacher relationships, for especially student-athletes. There would be no need for me to seek re-election if Council was truly democratic.
Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?
I served as a statistical analyst for multiple high-profile e-sports teams. I am currently serving on the editorial board for an e-sports reporting agency, with previous experience as an editor. I have been published multiple times within the AAAS/AJAS (American Junior Academy of Science) regarding the subject of endangered species. I am also an honored recipient of many state-wide and national mathematics awards.
My experience defines my character. I will not fail to deliver my promises.
CAROLINE LOESCHER:
Why are you running for Council?
I feel fortunate to attend a high school that allows its students to participate in its governance and leadership in a real and meaningful way. I want to be a part of the democratic process that gives HHS students an opportunity to establish policy and make decisions that will influence my life and the lives of my friends, classmates, and teachers.
What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?
If elected to council, my first priority will be to address the school schedule. I believe that our school experience would be enhanced by a rotating class schedule. This would allow for longer classes, time for a lunch break (instead of eating in class), and time during the day to meet with teachers when needed. My second priority would be to work on expanding our sustainability program, including expanding the composting program and earth day field trips and activities.
Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?
I believe that I possess the skills, temperament and personality to be an effective council representative at HHS. Although just a freshman, my participation in three coed varsity sports and numerous other clubs and activities has already helped me to make many friends and acquaintances across all four grades. I am comfortable speaking to all students, as well as to faculty and administrators. I have leadership experience as a coach for Girls on the Run, organizing events and field trips for the Environmental Club, and planning and leading multi-day wilderness adventures at Camp Aloha where I spend my summers.
TOM LYONS*:
Why are you running for Council?
I am running for Council another year because I enjoyed it my first year and because I enjoy having a say in what goes on at our school.
What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?
If I am elected to Council this year I would like to help share the opinion of more students who are not on Council through conversations and surveys. I do not think that there are any MAJOR problems at HHS.
Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?
I would be a good representative on Council because I have experience, having already served on Council for a year. I am also approachable and am willing to share anyone’s opinions on Council.
CASEY MCGUIRE*:
Why are you running for Council?
Last summer I moved to Hanover from Massachusetts and as soon as I heard about council from friends on my soccer team, I immediately knew it was something I wanted to do. Once elected as a new and tuition representative I was given the opportunity to bring new ideas and perspectives to the table. During this year on council, I was not only dedicated to representing all new and tuition students, but I also have been helping make decisions that will positively affect all students at HHS. In addition, I was an active member of the student life committee. As part of this committee, I went on field trips to observe other approaches at developing school culture, schedule, social spaces, and food. My committee including myself have been working on changing our schedule, improving student health, creating more social spaces around HHS, and investigating opportunities for new food options at the cafe. After being on council and the student life committee for one year, I am running for council again because I feel that there are so many more ways I could help improve our school.
What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?
If elected, my goal would be to look into changing the HHS schedule to be better for both students and teachers alike by designing a schedule that would make everyone’s learning more effective and that would improve student health. Also, I want to create a day after the midterm exams and final exams that allows students to see their exams and ask questions. I want to advocate for a more unified school, help foster a stronger sense of community, and build a stronger school culture by making more social spaces around the high school. Lastly, I want to improve the food options at HHS.
Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?
Over the past 8 months, I have become very engaged and involved in our school in a number of ways including playing on the girls varsity soccer team, racing for the varsity alpine ski team, and being actively involved in the environmental club. However, having the opportunity to be on council this year has allowed me to learn so much more about our student body and community at HHS. Although I came into council this year as a member to represent new ideas and perspectives, I believe that I am now at the point where I’m someone who can fully represent exiting student perspectives and voices on council. As an experienced council member who is extremely hardworking, dependable, and open-minded, I would be honored to represent you and your voice next year.
SAGE MCGINLEY-SMITH*:
Why are you running for Council?
I am running for Council this year because I believe that all members of a school community should have the opportunity to have their opinions represented, and that the most important decisions in this school should come from the people who will be most affected by those changes: students and faculty. I am grateful for the opportunity that HHS gives us to use our voices to affect change in our school, as I truly believe that our voices are the most powerful tool we have to truly make change. I am fully committed to the ideals of a democratic school, and I hope to continue to improve that vision by serving on Council next year.
What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?
If elected, I will continue to work to standardizing the system of student feedback so that all classes can be fairly compared to each other and improved accordingly. Furthermore, I believe the biggest problem here at HHS is a lack of student participation in our democratic process; if I am elected, I will commit myself to encouraging a broader community to come to Council, and continue to provoke discussions in my Common Ground about issues that are pertinent to the student body.
Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?
Outside of all these changes, I am the right choice to represent you on Council next year because of my ability to advocate for myself and others, my outgoing and friendly attitude, and my ability to stand up for what I believe in. I am also an active member of the student body and I understand and am personally affected by the stress and pressure that HHS students put on themselves and others. For all these reasons, and many more, I hope you will consider re-electing me to Council next year.
NOAH PHIPPS*:
Why are you running for Council?
I am running for re-election to Council because I have enjoyed being part of the democratic process and using my voice to help bring change. I believe that my experience this year as a Council member will enable me hit the ground running as I am more familiar with the process and committee work.
What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?
I will continue to be vocal on subjects such as schedule changes, the mission of Hanover High School, and other topics that may arise.
Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?
I hope to foster more conversation between the student body and Council, and I am always approachable and easy to talk to. I look forward to representing you next year.
MOMOKA SCHMIDT:
Why are you running for Council?
This year I am running for Council because I enjoyed attending this year’s meetings, and I want to continue to speak out about what the class of 2021 believes and vote on issues that matter. I was not officially on Council this year, yet I still attended every single Council meeting and spoke up about several of the motions and discussions. I would like to continue doing so as a member.
What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?
If I were in Council next year, I would bring up important discussions such as the mental health of our students and the pressure-inducing culture surrounding things such as grades and extracurriculars. I would like to discuss ways to reduce student anxiety and stress, such as improving our schedule or even providing different food at the cafeteria. I think our biggest concern is the general happiness of our school and how we can work to improve it.
Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?
I love participating in multiple extracurricular activities, including HHS’s plays and musicals (come see Hello, Dolly!). I also am involved in Rainbow Alliance, which seeks to improve the inclusivity of the school, and JCOMM. Additionally, I feel that the artistic community in HHS doesn’t get as much representation in Council as athletics or music, and I can help represent this area of the school. Finally, I am very responsible, organized, and easy to talk to; if you ever want to talk to me about anything related to Council, I am ready to listen! I promise to not only discuss problems, but collaborate to generate innovative ideas about how to solve them.
ELLIE STANNARD*:
Why are you running for Council?
I am running for Council for a few reasons. First, to continue the work I have begun this year. Secondly, I would like to affect positive change on the school based on what the student body thinks. Having been a representative for a year already I know a lot about how the process works, the issues being worked on and I can more readily make these changes. I think Council is a really special part of our school and it is really important to get the most out of this unique opportunity. Finally, I really enjoy representing our class. I think it is really interesting to learn about the views of our peers and present them in a way that can cause change.
What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?
The biggest problem I see at HHS is the general student stress levels. It has become apparent to me throughout this year that many students carry a considerable amount of stress very regularly. I think one direct way to change this is to look at the schedule. I have heard from others that sometimes their schedule feels very monotonous and it’s hard to keep up with the pace of the day. If I am elected I hope to begin to work on solutions to this issue. To do this I would look into unique schedules, apart from a traditional block schedule, to try to find one that works specifically for our school. That being said, a schedule change of any kind will take a very long time, so my goal for next year would be to make progress in the direction of a schedule change.
Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?
I would be a good representative for a couple of reasons. I am involved in many areas of the school. I am a member of the orchestra, I play soccer, ski race, and do crew which allows me to talk with a huge variety of people to hear what is working well or not for them. I am passionate about helping to make changes when something can be improved and comfortable jumping in to work. And I said since I have already served on the body I am familiar with some of its quirks and have some experience with ways to get the work done.
REILLY UITERWYK:
Why are you running for Council?
I am running for Council because Council is the best way that I can make an impact on our school. I also know that this school, due to its democratic system, really allows student’s voices to be heard. However cliche as this sounds, I strongly believe that a student’s voice, no matter who they are, can be represented at this school. Council is only as strong as the students it represents, and I would be honored to represent the students of HHS.
What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?
If elected to next year’s Council, one important issue is possible schedule changes. While I am not sure a schedule change is in the immediate future, I can see it looming on the horizon. I think our current schedule has flaws, such as the inability to take multiple classes in different areas at once, (i.e. multiple science and art electives at the same time), and the lack of a break near the traditional lunch time. I believe that the answer may be to generate new ideas from many perspectives for schedules that work better for our unique school system. I also believe that Council could improve its communication. More often than not, I find that important parts of Council’s meeting are not passed through common grounds or in an email. I have also wondered this year if Council was really thinking about issues as deeply as they should of and I am hoping to improve that. I also was frustrated to learn about significant decisions long after they were made and think Council could communicate better.
Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?
For me, Council is all about listening to other people, standing up for what you and others believe in, representing many voices and creating compromises. The main basis for any leadership position is the ability to listen. I think I will be a good representative because I am able to listen to opinions and communicate multiple perspectives, not just my opinions, and create a compromise that leaves both parties happy. Listening to other people, and learning about their opinions is honestly something that I’m good at, but more importantly, it is something that I love to do. One example of this was during a mock trial that I did at my school last year. I got the opportunity to be a lawyer, meaning that I got to work with people, create compromises, and state my own opinion. It was an incredible experience that I learned so much from and I got to use skills that I hope to bring to Council.
