The 2014-2015 yearbook picture for Greenwich High’s Student Government. Credit: Jennifer Lynch.
“Make it new.”
This Ezra Pound quote, referenced by GHS junior Rebecca Powell in her campaign speech, defines the platform of every winning candidate in Friday’s Student Government elections.
During a Mass Meeting held that day, members of Greenwich High’s Student Government elected the four Vice Presidents who will serve on the body’s Executive Committee during the 2015-16 school year. In each race, voters clearly indicated a preference for candidates who put forth specific, engaging proposals for reforming Student Government.
Sophomore Sofia Vittoria, who was elected VP of Communications, proposed several measures to address what she articulated as the primary problem of Student Government. “We can all agree that Student Government is not always praised by students at school,” said Ms. Vittoria. Her proposals included establishing a communications email to take concerns from students, and creating short videos to relay announcements about Student Government projects.
Ms. Vittoria, who advocates increased communication between Student Government and the student body, may be seen here participating in Greenwich High’s 2014-15 St. Baldrick’s fundraiser. Credit: Leslie Yager.
Junior Rebecca Powell, whose campaign speech is referenced above, was successfully elected to the post of Vice President of Community Service. Ms. Powell describes first hearing the Ezra Pound quote in an English class and thinking “immediately about community service in Greenwich High School.”
She proposed to make community service “new” at GHS by inspiring more younger students to become involved, “[incorporating] . . . fun and helpful service projects into the freshman and sophomore curriculums.” In addition, Ms. Powell seeks to create a website where outside organizations could post volunteer opportunities for GHS students.
Ms. Powell, elected Vice President of Community Service, is shown here volunteering for the 2013-14 Grim Reaper Day. Grim Reaper Day is an Outreach Club event that discourages underage drinking. Credit: Leslie Yager.
Junior Alexis Tatore, who was re-elected as the Vice President of Special Events, spoke passionately about her drive to change the way her peers defined school spirit.
In Ms. Tatore’s words, Greenwich High does not have a “High School Musical-esque” school spirit, which would involve, “everyone rooting for one team, like the football team.” However, she contended that, for a school as large and diverse as GHS, that conception of school spirit is overtly simplistic. “If you enjoy your life at GHS . . . if you proudly contribute to your school,” Ms. Tatore emphasized, “you have school spirit.” She promised to spend her next year helping all students embrace spirit at GHS.
Ms. Tatore, re-elected as Vice President of Special Events, is shown on the far right riding in the 2014-15 Homecoming Parade. During her first year as VP, she personally oversaw all Homecoming events. Credit: Leslie Yager.
Finally, junior Vijay Kadiyala was successfully elected to the post of Vice President of Student Concerns. He promised to create change by addressing wifi concerns at GHS. Mr. Kadiyala established himself as a tech-savvy candidate by citing his involvement in helping Student Government win a Teens Teach Tech grant. With this grant, he helped coordinate Student Government volunteers to teach senior citizens how to use digital devices at Greenwich Adult Day Care.
Claiming to understand “the issues students face” at Greenwich High, he promised to, “translate that awareness into decisive action.”
Vijay Kadiyala, at right, is shown promoting the Teens Teach Tech project during a previous interview with Greenwich Free Press. Credit: Leslie Yager.
Congratulations to all winners of Friday’s Student Government elections!
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