The 2026 school year has almost come to an end, and as we ramp up for the finale, student council prepares for next year by holding elections for representatives and class president. The elections this year were filled with merchandise and posters as always, but the process to get there wasn't clear for all participants. The student council started by promoting the elections through an instagram post and graphics on the TVs. These were the main efforts to spread the word.
Most runners for this year's election benefitted most by already being wrapped up in student council. Current sophomore president Danny Hepner ran for reelection as president of the junior class, and new freshman president Dominic Brodeur had participated in student council during his middle school career. Brodeur has great respect for student council.
“So I was already in student council. I've been in student council since my second year here, and so I already knew this election was gonna happen. Orlandi told us the date and everything. I've been looking forward to it,” Brodeur said.
The process for the students once they decided to run was intense: if they wanted to run they had to prove their integrity and prepare for questioning to secure their running spot. The interviewing and analysis process was handled by the class advisors.
“The first step for students in signing up for the election process and an interview time. Then, they interview with the designated class advisor to ensure genuine interest and commitment,” spanish teacher and class of 2028 advisor Colleen Bertoni said.
Advisors make sure the most committed students are selected and from there they are on their own to secure the win. Once the election comes to a close, Student council counts the votes of the presidential candidates, followed by the representatives to give the students the most opportunities possible.
“Once each candidate is approved by a class advisor, students are allowed to campaign with posters in the hallway and on the TVs,” Bertoni said. “Finally, the election happens and Mr. Orlandi counts the votes. We have the presidential election first so that any candidate not elected as president can still participate in the election for representatives.”
Some students took the campaign very seriously with posters, graphics, and merchandise for their loyal voters to proudly wear around the school. The effort put into the campaign directly affects the results. The effort Brodeur put into his campaign proved his grit and helped deliver him to the win.
“I made four posters that took time. I painted The Rock and Chelsea, you might have seen that, and I made a couple T-shirts for my friends to wear, and it was just a very extensive campaign,” Brodeur said.
Brodeur cared a lot for his seat. He was fueled by his past in student council and was excited to try again. This year was the year he finally got his seat as president.
“What inspired me to run was that I've been running for the past two years for president, and I haven't gotten it in the past two years,” Brodeur said. “I got secretary, then I got vice president and I actually wanted to win. I like student council. I think it fits me as a leader, and I'm happy to be president.”
Brodeur’s past time with student council isn't an unusual trend. Students who participated in student council early on have a better chance of winning later. This trend was followed through by the president of the sophomore class as well as the freshman class. Tactics in middle school to gain voters built a reputation for future elections.
“I think people often vote for faces they see a lot in leadership positions, and I think it started in middle school when they started to see the same faces, and they also used to bribe voters with candy and stuff,” sophomore Iara Lawence said.
