A New Generation of Leaders Ready to Step Up in the Middle School Student Council Elections

By Ameerah Browne, Grade 7

The hallways are buzzing with excitement as our middle school student council, or STUCO, elections get underway. This isn't just a popularity contest; it's a chance for students to step into a key leadership role and make a real impact on our community. 

Student council is an important activity because it helps bring the community together and form connections by planning major events for their peers. This year's grade-level representatives will be chosen by their classmates. Voting will begin this Friday during advisory.

The Candidates and the Election Process

A total of 52 candidates are vying for positions on STUCO across all three grades.

• 16 candidates in 6th grade

• 13 candidates in 7th grade

• 23 candidates in 8th grade

• You can see all the candidates and their campaign posters on these slides. 

  
  

The candidates have been busy campaigning and showcasing their plans for the school year. Six representatives from each grade will ultimately be elected. The stakes are high as these 18 elected representatives will then choose the student council officers, including the coveted Student Council President position.

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Insights from the STUCO Advisor: Mr. Sam King

Q: What do you think is the most important role STUCO plays in our school?

A: “STUCO is the voice of students and the bridge to our principals and school leadership. We turn good ideas into real changes and help set the tone for a kind, spirited, and inclusive MS.”

Q: What advice would you give to students who want to join but are nervous?

A: "Start by joining a STUCO committee. We’ll have committees running throughout the year, so you can jump in on real projects and get the STUCO experience without being a full member. It’s a low-pressure way to try it out and build confidence. We'll need committees to help with the MS dance, Friday fun days, etc."

Q: What’s the hardest part about running for the Student Council?

A: “Running for STUCO can be daunting, and not being elected can feel like rejection—but it isn’t; it’s a hurdle that builds strength. Win or not, putting yourself out there is already a victory: setbacks don’t define you, they develop you, and your teachers and peers see that you are—or are determined to become—a leader.”

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Meet the Candidates

Many students have stepped up to run for a spot on the Student Council. We had the chance to interview some of the frontrunners: Kaden Quin, Vera Lin, and Elliot Chang.

Q: Why are you running for student council?

Elliot Chang: “I’m running for student council because I want to make meaningful changes in our community.”

Vera Lin: “I'm running for student council because in the last few years I noticed some problems in our community so we want to change that.”

Kaden Quinn: “I chose to run for STUCO because I’ve always had an interest in helping shape our community, and believe that in event planning, student’s voices need to be heard.”

Q: If you become a student council member, what would you change?

Vera Lin: “Elliot and I are planning to collaborate with clubs and non-middle school clubs like gym clubs, or even high school student council to create more fun events for everyone.”

Elliot Chang: “As well as Doctor Hsieh, we could also help offer like masterclasses and other things.”

Kaden Quinn: “If I am chosen, I hope to work with members from each grade level to start planning events for students like dances, fun-fairs, etc. Yet making sure that the community's voices are heard throughout the process.”

Q: What problems do you see that need to be addressed?

Kaden Quinn: “In my opinion, with STUCO, it’s a lack of student engagement, especially with events. Therefore, I think we need to listen to our fellow peers when deciding what to have as an event, to make sure that all students are engaged.”

Q: What do you think your chances of winning are?

Vera Lin: “I think it’s a fifty-fifty chance. It really depends on popularity and friends if the students vote or not so we’re really in the middle.”

Kaden Quinn: “I’m personally not sure, I can only hope I do and would be ever-most grateful, seriously!”

Q: Any clubs you plan to support?

Elliot Chang: “We really want to work with peer leaders more because we want to spread kindness and we can do that by helping peer leaders grow.”

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We hope everyone is excited to vote for this year's new Student Council. As American political scientist Larry J. Sabato said "Every election is determined by the people who show up."