Column: State 'Youth Governor' Fights for Chance to Lead Albany High

[Editor's Note: In response to a question from Albany Patch about Spencer Perry's efforts, outlined below, school Principal Ted Barone wrote that Albany High School candidacy rules stipulate that a student cannot run for student body president unless s/he has served in an elected or appointed school office at some point during their AHS career. Barone said he could not comment on any particular student, due to privacy laws.]

As you may know, I've been having some trouble getting the administration to let me run for Student Body president. There's a clause on the candidacy form, that I was told wouldn't apply to me, that says I must have a year's experience in student government to run for the position. 

Our vice principal and I communicated, and we believe that since I have assumed all of the responsiblilities of Commissioner of Technologies on the Student Council, that I have in fact met this requirement. However, this last year I was enrolled in , and I was required to commit every advisory (when council meets) to her course. Our principal has made the case that since I have not attended these meetings I may not run for the Student Body president. 

Another point I am making for my case is that the requirement is put in place to ensure candidates have experience in leading meetings and with parliamentary procedure. I believe I am fluent in both, through my participation in , and Mock Trial.

So far, to combat the issue, I've petitioned 125 signatures of students and teachers and I have asked my friends on Student Council try to alter the bylaws before speeches are given Friday. I've also asked the members of the school board to send an email to our principal explaining the issue and that an exception should be made in my case. Unfortunately, the board has declined to email the principal, seeing as this is a High School issue, and 125 signatures may not make a strong enough case. I have scheduled a meeting with the principal for 15 minutes during Wednesday advisory to talk about the issue, but still my chances are slim.  

My hope is that through activism I can make the system more democratic and be given a fighting chance to run against the unopposed candidate. 

Thank you,

Spencer Perry
Albany High School