NMS Elects Student Council Officers

By Tanjua Damon

It is election time! No not for a local or national election, but for the Newtown Middle School Student Council. Sixteen students in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades delivered speeches for the offices of president, vice president, secretary and treasurer for their peers in hopes of being elected to office.

Three assemblies were held Friday, September 28, so that all three grades could see their candidate choices and listen to what their qualifications were before voting. Candidates spoke about their experiences, goals, and why other students should vote them into office. The Student Council is under the direction of teachers Linda Dale Mulholland, Tom DeBenedetto, and Mike Altenburger.

Eighth graders vied for the offices of president and treasurer. Four candidates for each office delivered their speeches. Cadidates for president were Tara Gaston, Bria Innaurato, Lauren Reagle and Katie Winkler. Treasurer candidates, Caitlin O’Connell, Kyle Pato, Zach Silver, and Josh Tenenbaum.

Seventh graders run for vice president. Candidates were Will Brooks, Jen Iassogna, Dan Murdoch and Sarah Truckle.

Sixth graders compete for the office of secretary. They were Matt Kuruc, Claire Ober, Allison Rambone, and Cathy Urfer.

Slogans and goals filled the student speeches, almost as if they were running for a national election.

“I will be your voice. We will all give ideas,” Tara Gaston said. “That means you and me together.”

Some students even reflected on how they have tried numerous times to be elected to a student council office, but were defeated.

“The third time is a charm. I won’t let defeat stand in my way,” Bria Innaurato said. “I will work to ensure that everyone’s ideas are represented. With me failure is not an option.”

Many of the speeches were filled with statements of leadership, teamwork, and dedication to something. The school is a community that has to work together.

“With your help we can make that limited time unforgettable,” Lauren Reagle said. “That’s why I’m here is to learn from each one of you. As a school we are a community.”

The September 11 tragedy surfaced in several speeches, with the candidates encouraging students to get involved to make a positive difference in their lives and their community.

“Let’s make positive changes in our school together,” Katie Winkler said. “We’re choosing our future leaders today.”

“WB for VP” and “Tip your Hat for Matt” were a few slogans candidates used in hopes of the student body remembering their names at voting time.

“We can pave the way for the next generation of kids. We can make this school shine,” Matt Kuruc said. “It’s you who can change the school and I’m here to help.”

Respect and kindness were also key points that many of the candidates spoke of during the assemblies.

“Our country works best with those who care. I will spend as much time as necessary to get the job done,” Allison Rambone said. “A strong student council is like a strong stone wall. I can be a part of that wall. You’re never alone when you vote for Allison Rambone.”

The student body elected Tara Gaston for president, Will Brooks for vice president, Matt Kuruc for secretary, and Josh Tenenbaum for treasurer.