Air Academy High School (AAHS) opened the polls for students to vote on their student council representatives on Monday, March 18th. Multiple students are running for coveted positions within the school, and each campaign is speeding up as the time to vote is running out.
With some positions like senior class president and speaker of assemblies graduating, many spots are available for those who are interested.
Every student planning to run for a position had to go through an extensive application process and submit a video explaining their goals for the school and why they are the best candidate.
The role of the student body is essential in the way that Student Council works, making sure that the wants and needs of students are taken into account when making decisions for the school. Things like spirit weeks, dances, and other events are done with careful consideration of what students desire.
“Running elections promotes the idea that everyone’s voice matters and that everyone’s voice can be heard,” senior class president Ella McCauley explained.
The current candidates definitely put this at the top of their priority list.
“I’ve always put a heavy emphasis on leadership in my life,” junior student body president candidate Dominik Goodman said, “I love to help and support other people and guide other people to a better place. And on top of that Air Academy as a whole just means a lot to me.”
The process of voting is vital to the success of each person’s campaign, however, and is one sure fire way for the students of AAHS to communicate their values.
“Voting makes a big difference in the school community and you should do it so that your voice is heard,” junior voter Echo Anderson exclaimed.
There have been some complaints about the accessibility and advertisement of the voting form, with Goodman explaining that the question he’s been asked most is how to vote.
“Even if people decide not to vote, I would say the advertisements on Instagram and on Schoology ensure everyone knows the election is happening. Not to mention, voting runs for a week long,” McCauley asserted.
Ensuring the participation and passion of students from all grade levels is essential to getting the best possible feedback for the student government.
“I think just making it easier to access and more widespread so that people around the school are voting can promote a more democratic environment in the school,” Goodman suggested.
With the 2024 presidential elections upcoming, it is interesting to see the way students at AAHS view the voting and the election process, even if it is at a local level.
“On a small level, voting and student elections help prepare students to vote in national elections because they have to understand the goals and virtues of the candidates and vote based on their own needs,” junior voter Delaney Brandt expressed.
Candidates are certainly keeping this in mind, and making sure to harbor all of the traits of a community-serving candidate.
“I want to be able to give back to that community and those people,” Goodman stated.
Air Academy’s unique and incredible community is getting stronger by the day, and the student council plans to increase the camaraderie amongst the student body.
