Nora Walkiewicz (286)
Staff Writer

Every year Central students in the sophomore, junior, and senior classes run to become members of the student government. Sophomore year is especially important because it is the first year we are introduced to this opportunity. The elections take place within the first 2 weeks of the school year, which some may argue is not enough campaigning time. I spoke with Dr. Soda, the 10th grade sponsor and head of the 10th grade student elections to get some more background information. Throughout President Davis’ time at Central, she has been focused on the importance of the student elections and tradition.

Here’s the weeklong process. At the 10th grade welcome assembly, Dr. Soda announces the elections and the four possible positions you can run for: president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. The academically eligible candidates can express their interest in running via a Google Form. The candidates then need to retrieve 75 signatures from any member of their class and submit a one to two minute speech. At an advisory election assembly, the speeches are read aloud and students vote for one candidate for each position. Within the next two days, Dr. Soda releases the winners.

Being a part of student government is important because it allows students to contribute to Central’s community through leadership and maintaining tradition. Additionally, a government role is great for future opportunities. The positions allow students to foster strong leadership skills and promote class identity, factors which colleges scout for. Despite the limits of authorial decision-making, students are still able to serve and advocate for the many voices of their class. These elections also provide civic education, serving as an introduction to voting practices as we inch closer to eighteen. Through the elections students learn the mechanics of voting and evaluating the candidates’ many promises. Congratulations to all members of this year’s sophomore student government (President: Miranda Gao, Vice-President: Harvey Chen, Treasurer: Marquez Browne-Rosario, and Secretary: Sovanika Oum)!