Schools
New Canaan Country School Experiences Democratic Process
The Pre-K through Grade 9 school's Upper School division held elections for student government; 9 students received leadership positions.
Nearly 20 New Canaan Country School candidates vied to fill 9 positions of leadership during the Upper School’s (Grades 7-9) student government elections, held Sept. 28 through Oct. 6.
With a total of 161 votes cast, ninth-grader Brendan Buda of Rowayton was named President. He will be aided in his duties by ninth-grade representatives including: Matt Rivera of Stamford, Eleanor DuPont of New Canaan and Oliver Golden of Rowayton; eighth-grade representatives Maddie Maliakal of Stamford, Capone Andrade of Bridgeport, and Kayla Sanon of Stamford; and seventh-grade representatives Logan Mackey and Nico Benett, both of New Canaan.
Many students advertised their candidacy using colorful poster boards as well as creative and eye-catching tactics throughout the Upper School’s Stevens Building.
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“I used Post-it Notes, but a LOT of them,” explained Capone Andrade. “I wanted to show that little things can have a big meaning and that even little words can go a long way.”
All candidates made stump speeches. In hers, Kayla Sanon made the case that she should be elected to ensure that “everyone would have a fair say.” She went on to articulate her belief in equality of voice and the principles of fairness, and promised to uphold them on behalf of her classmates, if chosen. Maddie Maliakal noted her 11-year tenure as proof of her ample experience and knowledge of the Pre-K through Grade 9 school.
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“Turnout was strong,” acknowledged Head of Upper School Karl Palmgren. “I was pleased to see the level of interest the students showed in this leadership opportunity. Campaign speeches were well written and delivered with the poise and confidence we have come to expect from Country School students. All candidates should be proud of the bravery and courage they showed during this process.”
The 2021-22 Student Government will convene weekly to discuss issues important to Upper School students, present their ideas and lobby the faculty and administration for support and implementation.
New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9 living in Westchester and Fairfield counties. Graduates excel at top day, boarding and public secondary schools and go on to lead lives of impact and purpose. For more information, please visit countryschool.net.
