The class officer elections at Walnut Grove are in full swing as students from all grade levels campaign for leadership positions. The election will determine the representatives who will lead their respective classes for the upcoming year.
Voting will take place Thursday Aug. 28.
To ensure a smooth and fair process, Walnut Grove is introducing a new system this year.
“This year we are using a new system called Voting4Schools that enables us to limit the voting easily for each class (i.e., sophomores can only vote for sophomores, etc.).” STUCO adviser Mackenzie Borchardt said.
Along with the updated voting system, Walnut Grove has also established steps to ensure every student has an equal opportunity to run for office.
“In order to ensure the election process is fair and allows everyone to participate, we have an application process that everyone is eligible for,” Borchardt said . “This includes needing 3 teacher recommendations, and an explanation of why they want to be a class officer!”
The annual elections, organized by Student Council and overseen by advisers Ashlee Armstrong and Mackenzie Borchardt, aim to empower students to shape school activities and create a sense of community.
“We encourage candidates to run through word of mouth, advertisements on social media (@stucogrove), and on our announcements,” Borchardt said. “It’s a little tough since it’s always at the beginning of the year so things are a little hectic, but we do our best to make sure everyone knows when it [voting] is happening”
While the election process is designed to ensure fairness, the candidates themselves are bringing their own unique goals and visions to the table.
“One of my top priorities is advocating for off-campus lunch privileges for students who hold a valid driver’s license and have access to a car,” junior class president candidate Martin “Trip” Wind said. “Long school days can be mentally exhausting, and I believe students deserve the opportunity to recharge.”
This year 39 students are running for the positions of vice president and president across all grade levels.
“Over the past few years, I’ve seen how much potential we have not just academically, but socially as well,” junior vice president candidate Ipek Turhan said. “And I hope to achieve this potential.”
Freshman candidates have expressed interest in addressing issues like bullying and creating a welcoming environment.
“I really want to help people who have dealt with bullying, since it feels like it’s normalized now with my peers,” freshman class president candidate Miriam Guss said. “I want to make sure everyone feels comfortable and they are excited to come to school, and not dread it.
The sophomore candidates are focusing on building their first year’s experiences.
“I want to improve the sense of community at school, especially considering the phone ban” sophomore class president candidate Sarveshwar Senthilkumar said, “Everyone should feel free to get involved with more events and activities, but I want to make sure that a mix of people always attend.”
Junior candidates are emphasizing leadership development.
“I believe it’s important to ask others what they want to see in student leadership to show I can represent those ideas for the junior class,” Turhan said. “My main goal is to make sure this campaign isn’t just about me, it’s about representing what others want.”
Senior candidates are focusing on making their final year memorable.
“I would love to promote an inclusive environment for students,” senior class president candidate Hunter Hawkins said, “and make sure there is something for everyone.”
The elected leaders will play a key role in shaping school events and maintaining a sense of unity across campus.
“I wanted to make a difference and get more involved in the behind the scenes,” sophomore vice president candidate Naomie Logue said. “Taking care of any complaints or new ideas that my classmates and peers have is important to me and I hope that I just inspire others and we’re able to create a more long lasting and cohesive community!”
Students are encouraged to engage in the process by learning about the candidates and casting their votes.
“Sadly we will probably never get 100% participation, but we try to get as many people as possible,” Borchardt said. “A big part of it also falls back on students, especially the candidates, to help us remind their peers to vote.”
As the votes are cast, Walnut Grove students will shape the direction of their school community for the year ahead, proving the power of student voices.
“I want to be a champion for student voices, a bridge between students and administration, and a driving force behind positive change,” Wind said. “After all, it’s the students who make this school exceptional—and they deserve leadership that reflects that.”
