Requirements for Candidates
To be eligible to run for office, candidates must have maintained a strong track record during their short time at Marist.
“No disciplinary issues, grades have to be in sync,” said Student Council Moderator Robert Topps. “We did it in November so freshmen can get to know each other.”
This election is taking place later in the school year compared to previous years.
Topps encourages anyone who is on the fence about running to just go for it.
“Do it…I did it and it changed my life,” said Topps.
Campaigning Begins
Candidates can begin campaigning on Friday, November 7 until Thursday, November 13. Students are allowed to hang up one poster right outside the cafeteria during this time frame.
A candidate should have the confidence to bring up issues and speak in front of the student body.
“I’m a big proponent in if your afraid to talk in front of a crowd or if you don’t want to work on your public speaking, you shouldn’t represent your school,” said Topps.
He also has advice for the candidates.
“You should embrace the unknown and what [is] uncomfortable for you, so good things usually happen out of that,” said Topps.
How to Vote
On Friday, November 14, freshmen will receive a Google form via email where they get to choose the candidates they feel are best fit in office.
“I think the freshman class is a really good class. There’s some really nice kids in that class that could be good future leaders for the school. So hopefully, we can get the right person elected,” said Topps.
What makes a good leader?
“I think the biggest thing is character, the stuff you do when people aren’t watching,” said Topps.
Student council has a big responsibility in making Marist what students know and love. The job revolves around creative thinking whether that’s picking a theme for a sports game or deciding decorations for the halls.
Voting students should take this decision seriously.
“I see everything…there’s a kid that’s a good role model, a person that makes smart choices, and something that people can kind of look up to, within that class,” said Topps.
Freshmen Candidates (in order of appearance on the video)
1. Lilah Graham: “I feel like students should know that they belong here and they are heard here. I’m a great team player and I think I’ll bring that and good ideas to the table.”
2. Patrick Forbes: “I would make a great leader and I would make Marist a more interactive experience for students and parents, while hosting many events outside of school.”
3. Mary Withers: “I have good leadership and communication skills, I work well with others, and want what’s best for everyone.”
4. Gretchen Koch: “I’m hard working and will work well with others to make sure that Marist is an environment built off of strong connections and friendship.”
5. Rose Connolly: “I am qualified for this role because I was student council president at my grammar school and have great leadership skills.”
6. Joey Scheel: “I am a great leader, and one thing I’d want to do here at Marist is make the community stronger and get opinions from teachers and others.”
7. Brendan Wolf: “I am very determined and will show up to every meeting while being a participant, and giving my best efforts”
8. James Kaskie: “I was a student council member at St. Barnabas and I loved being a part of the school, and I plan to do the same thing here. I will try and keep everyone included and never leave anyone out.”
9. Tristany Cole: “I am qualified for student council because I am open to new ideas and I’m ready to help in our community at Marist.”
10. Sebastian Rendine: “I am qualified to be a part of the student council because I am an athlete here at Marist, I play lacrosse, and I am also involved in multiple clubs here, like investment club. One thing I want to bring to Marist is holiday-themed pep rallies.”
11. Michael Heideman: “I was class president at my old school. One idea that I have for this year is a Turkey Bowl on the morning of Thanksgiving.”
12. Sommer Bell: “I’m a good team player, I look at all sides before making a decision, and I’m very unbiased. Everybody should be considered and everybody should be heard.”
13. Claire Stokes: “I’m running for student council to make an impact, not only for our teachers and students but also for the Marist community. I’m only here for four years and I’m going to do my best for everything that I set out to do gets accomplished.”
14. Caitlin Plante: “I believe I will be a good leader because I show empathy and great communication skills.”
15. Melina Briseno: “I love to be involved in the community and I want to help the Marist community.”
16. Kamiyah Eichelberger: “I’m willing to help my community out and I’d like to get involved.”
17. Jamison Coutee: “I want to represent the student council because Marist has given me a lot of experiences, opportunities, and I want to make Marist a more inclusive place.”
18. Addison Wolski: “I always demonstrate natural leadership skills, convey excellent communication abilities, I’m organized and responsible, and I strive for inclusivity everyday.”
19. Lillian Granville: “I think I‘m qualified because I want to bring equality to all Marist and make sure everyone is included in everything they do.”
20. Rayshon Wade: “I was one of the top students in my class. I do good around my community and I do good by picking up trash.”
