Submitted by Jessica Mongiovi and Alison Brehm
The fourth grade students at Battle Hill recently had the chance to get involved in the school political process through the Student Council. Students had the opportunity to run for President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Student Council at the fourth grade level is an introduction to student government, community involvement, and fundraising.
“At Battle Hill we strive to make the Student Council better each year by finding new ways to help our school, the community and our country,” said Student Council Advisor Miss Alison Brehm.
Just like a regular election, Battle Hill held a primary election. All fourth grade students were encouraged to apply for a position and those who applied wrote a speech to first persuade the teachers. Each speech was linked to a Google Form which allowed teachers to view them and vote for their top four candidates in each position. Votes were tallied and four finalists were chosen.
Finalists were as follows,
Treasurer – Brandon DaSilva, Shyam Shay, Landon Paco, and Nicole Ikpogu
Secretary – Alexa Rivera, Breakthrough Onyechere and Leah Eke
Vice President – Angel Salcedo, Olivia Magliozzi, Lola Paredes, and Chiamaka Nwanonyiri
President – Leyla Akin, Alexa Castillo, Gianna Marlin, and Vincenzo Carr
Finalists created flyers which were placed around the building. Candidates delivered their speeches to the student body. Each finalist was asked to briefly speak about the purpose of their role, why they would be best for the job, and a fundraiser they would like to see happen this year at Battle Hill, which would benefit the school or an organization. Ms. Mongiovi, advisor, also created a video of the students responding to the question, “Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 5-year-old self?” The video was shown before the speeches were read to the audience of students, staff and parents.
All candidates did an excellent job on their speeches, but there were only four spots to fill. Each fourth grade student had the opportunity to vote for a candidate in each category. Instead of using a paper and pencil ballot, Ms. Jessica Mongiovi, advisor, created an online ballot on which students voted during their recess time.
The winners are
President: Leyla Akin
Vice President: Angel Salcedo
Secretary: Alexa Rivera
Treasurer: Landon Paco
“The goal this year was to continue to get the board more involved in all aspects of Student Council,” said Mongiovi. Following the election, board members met with advisors and selected representatives from each class to assist them throughout the year.
Battle Hill is looking forward to another successful year!
(above) Pictured is the Battle Hill Student Council Executive Board.
