For starters, where is the guy population in class council? It is nominal, to say the least. So in the interest of the male population, here's a notice: get involved! A few of you have been mentioned in conversation lately, and unbeknownst to you there are quite a few people who believe, including myself, that you could run for either of these positions. Warren Bennis, a pioneer of leadership studies in the 50s and 60s said that "Good leaders make people feel like they're at the very heart of things...Everyone feels that he or she makes a difference." A good leader must also have a clear vision of what is popular, what is needed, what is frivolous, and what action to take when needs are sorted out. They must also be positive and enthusiastic in order to inspire others to action and leadership. Last but not least, they must have a good social skills regardless of their "popularity" status in high school. They should be regarded as one of the more respected students and should have a wide appeal to the many groups of the class.  In other words, he or she should not have a specific circle, or cater to one demographic. That said, here are a few examples of what guys I believe would be good class presidents.

    Keaton Albro, a involved student who attends student council when he can has proven to be capable of leadership. In previous years he has attended leadership conferences and continues to be a leader as the stage manager of the school plays. Many know him as friendly and intelligent as he is a member of NHS, Tri-M music honors society, and various other bands where he works cooperatively in a team as a percussionist. There's also Derek Hellested, a loyal friend and a guy who is, in my time of knowing him, always up for something new. He is open-minded and a good listener with a strong sense of patience. Steve Wilson is also someone to think about in this election. Steve is calm and collected and is steadfast in his opinions. He is also a good listener and knows a good idea when he hears it. He finds the source of the problem and the way to fix it in a short span of time. On the other hand he is blunt and honest, making him a good candidate. Austin Trudeau, our current class treasurer would also made a good leader for our class, as he not only has a clear vision of action when it comes to important issues but also, as Warren Bennis recommends, has a talent for motivating a team effort. There are also those that could contribute to the class council system with their own opinions and actions. Kamran Imam, Rob Preshaw, Ollie Walsh, and Kyle Calise are people I consider to have different perspectives than the average person. Difference of opinion is what stimulates debate, and leads to change. If the male population wants to be represented when it comes down to important events like Senior trip, class day, or other policies they should be picturing themselves as functioning, working members or in this case, class president, of the Class Council.

    That said, there are quite a few girls at Exeter-West Greenwich High School that would also be good candidates for President or Vice President. Ashley Robinson for example, is involved in many extra curricular activities, is a well rounded student, and a current member of class council. She is non-judgmental and solves problems in a logical way. She is refreshingly optimistic and knows how to be the peacemaker in almost any situation. I also see Marina Campbell as a good class official. Aspiring to attend college in pre-med, engineering, or spanish, Marina is organized and studious while being incredibly personable and quick to joke. Unclaimed by any one group in school, she has a good sense of the majority's wishes and understands how to execute those needs. Erika Johansen, a good student and part of the school's growing debate team has risen as a great advocate for history and government and plans to be a politician herself one day. Her ability to sort out nonsensical ideas and unrealistic goals makes her a realistic choice. Lauren Woloohojian, a girl of many talents in music and agriculture, has qualities that make her stand out indefinitely as a leader and good team player. She works diligently for her accomplishments and puts nothing less than 110% of her effort into every endeavor she encounters. Her down-to-earth, good sense of humor makes her easy to get along with. As I explained before, there are those who have valuable angles and different opinions that could greatly contribute to the progress of our class council. Morgan Breene, Jackie Essex, Dominique Jacques, and Kayla Santanella to name a few, should consider the idea of a class officer.

    Lastly, a word to those Sophomores, or even Freshmen, that will be participating and voting in class elections in the near future. Remember to seriously think about the criteria of a good leader, and who you think fits that criteria. Don't let the chance slip by, and learn from the mistakes of the Juniors that you should make sure your voice is heard. If you're a forgetful person write it down somewhere and remember to vote! Keep track of the vital meetings of your class council. One very helpful thing that the Junior Class has enacted as part of keeping people involved is a Facebook group that sends out weekly reminders of bake sales,  fundraisers, and dates of meetings where the majority would be greatly appreciated. So in conclusion, I hope those Juniors that are mentioned in this article take a look at their qualities and see if they're willing to mix up this year's election and give people a choice. If you're unhappy with the direction your class is taking, then seize some of the control by stepping in and making choices. The first of those choices is to run for a class officer, and with your candidacy the chances would be great at 50-50 so you might actually win! For goodness sakes, I greatly admire our current class officers, but if no one else runs I will, just to say re-elections were not a monopoly and did not go to waste.