The much-anticipated student government elections at Léman Manhattan came to a conclusion on May 24th, with a remarkable turnout and several close contests.
The election results revealed a diverse range of winners, with each position drawing a significant number of votes from the student body.
Mika Halperin emerged as the successful candidate for the role of president, securing 32% of the votes, equivalent to 79 votes. Mika’s campaign focused on fostering unity and implementing student-led initiatives that resonated the desires of the student body. To be an effective president, one must have the ability to lead, which Mika possesses. Mika has a natural talent for motivating others and inspiring students to actively participate in their own educational development. Her inclusive leadership approach promotes a culture where all opinions are valued and heard. Mika's emphasis on cooperation and group decision-making will hopefully ensure all students feel respected and ready to participate in the further development of the school. While Mika Halperin won the race for the presidency, it is worth acknowledging the efforts of Freya Feng, who secured second place in a highly competitive contest. Freya’s campaign captivated the attention of her peers, showcasing her passion for leadership, innovative ideas, and dedication to serving the student body.
Esther Ganda won the election for vice president with 113 votes, or 45.9% of the total vote. The student body responded well to Esther's emphasis on improving student support systems and supporting student voice, which instilled a genuine sense of transparency with the audience. Her commitment to encouraging inclusion, advancing student well-being, and meeting the various needs of the student community resonated with the student body. She committed to establishing frequent open forums and feedback systems to make sure that the perspectives of all students were taken into account since she understood that each student has a distinct viewpoint and deserves to be heard. Her emphasis on fostering a welcoming and encouraging environment appeared to inspire the student body and revealed her awareness of the difficulties that students encounter on a daily basis. Esther’s sincere and friendly nature was highly evident to our class in addition to her motivating platform. She interacts with the student body in a meaningful way, both during her campaign speeches and in personal conversations. Esther furthered her reputation as a trustworthy and devoted leader by being open to hearing the worries and suggestions of her fellow classmates. Nile Mpela showed dedication by coming in second place for the Vice President position.
Juan Quezada received 117 votes, or 47.6% of the total cast, to win the treasurer seat. Voters responded positively to Quezada's campaign, which emphasized financial accountability and openness. Juan demonstrated his leadership abilities and financial expertise throughout his campaign. He clearly laid out his goal of appropriate financial management and showed that he understood finances by having previously organized activities that involved money. Lev Feldsher also ran a strong campaign and finished in second place.
For the position of secretary, Amy Diallo emerged victorious, securing an overwhelming majority with 74% of the votes, totaling 182. As Secretary, Amy is committed to ensuring that the student government operates smoothly and effectively. Amy aims to establish open lines of communication with the student body, encouraging feedback and suggestions to enhance the overall student experience. Filippa Lombana showcased a strong campaign as well, securing second place in a highly competitive race.
In speaking with the Bullhorn about her plans for next year, Amy added, ”I would like to see us do more community building activities and add my assistance as needed, and fulfill my role to the fullest capacity.”
Janai Snagg and Paloma Alonso received 44.3% and 33.7% of the votes, respectively, to earn the position of event coordinator. The students were moved by their campaign promises to plan interesting events and promote a lively school community. Janai and Paloma presented an innovative event plan that catered to a diverse range of interests and created opportunities for student engagement. Their proposals included themed dances and collaborative community projects, all designed to foster a vibrant and inclusive social atmosphere within the school. As Event Coordinators, Janai and Paloma aim to bring their vision to life by working closely with student organizations, faculty, and the wider community. Their collaborative approach and open communication channels will ensure that student input and feedback are actively incorporated into the planning and execution of events. Boreas Tsui put in outstanding effort and came in third, highlighting how competitive the Event Coordinator race was.
In speaking about her plans for next year, Janai stated, "I'm going to implement surveys and polls to get the actual voice of the students, and next I'm going to eliminate basic events. Instead, we'll have: parachute games, slip and slides, and other active games."
The recent student government elections have not only showcased the exceptional talent and leadership within the student body but have also demonstrated the collective passion of students to shape the future of our school.
The winners of each position have all proven their ability to lead, inspire, and represent fellow students. This degree of interest shows the importance of student government elections as a venue for developing leadership abilities and establishing a sense of community within the school. The elected leaders are in a unique position to work with their peers, the administration, and the faculty to promote good change, address the concerns of the student population, and foster a welcoming environment. The student government elections have set the stage for an exciting journey ahead, and we eagerly await the positive impact and initiatives that will shape the future of Léman. Congratulations to all the winners, and may this be the beginning of an extraordinary era of student leadership and growth.
Students used their right to vote to select their representatives for various positions, and the results reflected the diverse choices made by the student body. The right to vote allows students to develop a sense of responsibility towards shaping their educational environment. As we get closer to college years, these elections are a terrific opportunity for students to experience the strength of their voices and realize the impact they can have on campus life and even in their neighborhood community.
Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors were urged to run for a variety of positions that would increase their sense of accountability and elevate the voices of the student population throughout the months of April and May. The school's halls were transformed into colorful canvases in the weeks before the student government elections and excited candidates hung attractive signs to advertise their campaigns. These vibrant, captivating ads worked as both a reminder for students to vote and an addition to the school atmosphere. The wide variety of posters decorating the walls could not be missed as they were absolutely everywhere. Each candidate's poster displayed their distinct aesthetic, catchphrases, and campaign pledges, all intended to attract voters' interest and win their support. The candidates' posters showed their creativity and innovative thinking, exemplifying their commitment to their classmates and promising future opportunities if they receive the votes necessary to win their preferred position. Some candidates even included their own photographs or artworks to provide a personal touch and make themselves more recognisable to students.
Additional reporting for this article came from Elizabeth Volpert and Brandon Curo