With a drastically increasing number of staff members and a growing to-do list, Walpole High School’s Student Council has been pushing its limits and quickly gaining momentum. As the end of the year rapidly approaches, Student Council is preparing for the next year in hopes of generating a productive, determined, and spirited council with changes to the way that it operates, such as a new constitution and an addition to the election of the Student Council president. Enter Emma Comiskey and Caleb Cofsky—the council’s new presidents in training.
In the past few months, a brand new constitution, written by Ms. Kerry McMenimen and other staff members, was created in order to address the issues that the expanding number of participating students have created and to produce more leadership roles within the council. In order to accomplish the latter, a new step has been added to the presidential election, one intended to prepare future presidents to get the most out of Student Council in upcoming years—the president elect.
The idea for president elects was established through the South East Mass Conferences (SEMASC) as they have a president elect each fall, but the idea for two was proposed at a student council meeting. “If one individual felt incapable of doing the job another person could step up,” said Ms. Mac. The elects will shadow the current president in order to prepare for a possible president position in the following year’s council. They will learn exactly what it is that the Student Council President does in order to ensure that the council is productive–such as running and scheduling the meetings, keeping everyone on task, spending lunch and free periods brainstorming, and organizing and working on projects for the council.
In a tight-neck competition held during a Student Council meeting in January, five hopeful, junior members fought for the chance to become a president elect. After listening to speeches from each of the candidates stating why they felt they deserved the chance to become a leader and model for the student council next year, the council voted for the two most promising members.
Juniors Emma Comiskey and Caleb Cofsky have been a part of Student Council since their freshmen and sophomore year, respectively. They are both extremely involved in the council and its efforts, from organizing events to attending many Student Council conferences. Though they are only representatives this year, Emma and Caleb have both shown their leadership by making as many contributions as possible. This year Emma organized the Date Auction along with junior Student Council representative Seana Cofsky, and Caleb organized the annual Blood Drive.
Student Council has become an important part in both Caleb and Emma’s high school experience and has helped them reach the goals they set for themselves since joining. “[I joined] because I like organizing and planning school events, and I like the kids on it,” said Caleb.
Similarly Emma said, “My favorite part is being able to add spirit to the school. And I love that I have made friends with some people who I probably wouldn’t have without StuCo.” Though they may have become a part of student council for different reasons, they both have grown to become a most vital part.
As they take on more responsible roles in the council, Caleb and Emma will learn more about what happens behind the scenes of the council and just how vital they will be to its production and performance. They both look at this opportunity as one that will help guide them and help them become the best presidents that they can be.“By allowing Christina to show me the ropes of being StuCo president, I can start the year already knowing the responsibilities I must take,” said Caleb Cofsky.
Likewise, Emma Comiskey said, ““I believe that it will definitely help me because I think shadowing Christina will give me a better look at the work that goes on behind the scenes. It also gives me some experience going into next year.” Both are willing to discover exactly how much work is put into Student Council and if they are ready to handle it. If one of the elects find that they cannot, the presidency will go to the other elect, but if they both feel ready then the official election will be held at the end of the year along with elections for the other officer positions.
As the council grows and gains influence throughout the school, changes like this will be evident and necessary. “Our council is growing every year so adjustments like this are essential to keeping our efforts and focus intact,” said Student Council president Christina Freiberger. The council has high hopes for the new role of President Elect. “I hope [the president elect policy will be useful], but since this is our first year we will have to wait to see how it pans out,” said Ms. Mac. What seems a promising new policy for next year’s council, will be tested on Emma Comiskey and Caleb Cofsky who are more than ready to begin learning the ropes.
