SUMMIT, NJ, May 19, 2014 — The posters were up, the speeches were made, and the votes were cast: Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child’s rising sixth-grade class elected the first-ever Student Council in the coeducational Lower School's history.
Twenty-one fifth-grade candidates at the Summit school were narrowed down to four victors during the May 9 election, including Leticia Sefia, who was elected president; Isabella Henry, who was elected vice president; Kaitlyn Tartaglione, who was elected secretary; and Ethan Low, who was elected treasurer.
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“We are so proud of the children and their interest in running for office,” said Leslie J. Smith, student council adviser. “The candidates worked hard, preparing their posters and speeches, with their fellow students supporting them through the process.”
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In their vision of the student council, Ms. Smith and Lower School Principal Christine Spies saw the opportunity for the students to learn how to set goals, practice leadership skills, and follow through on commitment.
As part of her campaign for president, Leticia said that she would not make false promises to her student body.
"I'd love to promise no homework for a year or a celebrity coming to our school, but I can't," she said in her speech. "I will, however, help raise money for recess equipment, such as balls and light-up hula-hoops."
She said she's shared her piano, violin, and French horn playing during prayer services and assemblies, and hopes her ability to listen and encourage people will help inspire others.
"Being a student council president is a real job with real hard work," she said. "I believe that my dedication and hard work will lead us into a golden age."
For vice president, Isabella ran a spirited campaign.
"I served two years on student council at my old school, so I know how to get things done," she said in her speech. "I have great ideas and I will work with all of you to make Oak Knoll an even better place."
Bella proposed organizing themed days such as Super Bowl Day, Spirit Day, Pajama and Crazy Hair days, and also suggested a community fundraiser and end-of-year carnival.
She daringly suggested putting Principal Spies in the "Dunk the Principal Tank." Principal Spies was not available for comment at the time of publication.
In her campaign for secretary, Kaitlyn talked about her dedication to the role.
"Running for secretary is a big job, and I can handle it because I am well-organized and pay attention to detail," she said in her speech. "I will be organized, honest, and accurate in my responsibilities to allow the teachers and students to focus on the important issues that need discussion and debate."
Ethan promised to fight for his class's needs during his campaign for treasurer.
Ethan told the student body he is enrolled in the talent program at Johns Hopkins University, and has completed two computer science courses, including Web design.
"I will strive to do my best to use our school's money wisely and resolve any situations that your class representatives tell me," he told his class.
He proposed an ethnic food day in the cafeteria once a week, suggested expanding the width of the cubbies or lockers to make organizational shelves, and considered new recess equipment.
"I have good integrity and strong math skills," he said. "Remember, count on someone who can count."
For those students who ran and were not elected, there will be elections in September for class representatives.
Congratulations to the newly-elected 2014-15 Lower School Student Council leadership!
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child is an independent Catholic school enrolling boys and girls in kindergarten through grade six; and young women only in grades seven through 12. For more information about Oak Knoll, please visit www.oakknoll.org or call 908-522-8109.
