Candidates' Statements

Sophomore '10-'11 Statements

Emmy Budas

My name is Emmy Budas. I am currently in the 9th grade and will graduate from Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School in 2013. I would like to join the Student Senate because I want to help contribute in making the decisions for my school. I believe that being part of the Senate shows spirit for my school. I want to be in the Senate because I want to be more involved with what is going on at LS and feel more involved with issues at the school and be a part of solutions. I feel that being in the Senate will allow me to better represent being an LS student. I also hope that by being a part of the Student Senate, I will meet new people. In addition, I want to be in the Senate to help make LS a better environment for students by allowing people to feel safe, welcomed, and relaxed.
            I think that I would be good for Student Senate because I have good leadership skills. I also am very dedicated and have a strong work ethic. I like to be organized and I like planning. I would really like to be a part of the Student Senate and help to make decisions for my school.

Jessie Bursma

My name is Jessie Bursma, I am a freshman at Lincoln Sudbury, and I would like to be part of the Student Senate program next year (aka my sophomore year). I think I can really contribute to student senate for a few reasons, the first of which being my leadership skills. I work well with other people and I can help get things done. Also, I would love to be involved with helping the school be an even better, more comfortable environment for the students. I want to help take part in making these years as pleasant as possible for others. In addition, I have a good understanding of what my classmates like and dislike and things they would or would not approve of when it comes to making decisions. Finally, I think this would be a great opportunity to meet new people and develop other skills and qualities I can use in the future.

Sammi Gordenstein

Hi, my name is Sammi Gordenstein, I am currently in the 9th grade and in east house. I would like to be a part of Student senate so that I can take part in my schools decision making because I feel as though I can further improve the school with the help of my peers. I would also like to be in the student senate because being involved in the choices L-S is making, is very important to me. Being informed with things such as the reasons for the budget cuts and reasons for not letting juniors and seniors go off campus is information that I would rarely get answers to, but I feel as though being in the student senate would let me find the answers. I think that I would be a valid member of the senate because I make good choices and with having older sibilins go through the school, I think I know some things that can be improved.

Graham Halperin

My name is Graham Halperin. I am highly interested in being on student
senate for a second year. This year I really enjoyed attending the
weekly meetings to learn and hear about changes taking place within
the school. If I had not been on student senate this year, there are
many changes and discussions that I would have not heard any mention
of. Being on Student Senate made me aware and learn more about the LS
culture and school. Being a freshman, I felt less experienced in some
topics during discussions and I feel like next year I will be able to
contribute more ideas and have a better idea of what is best for the
school. I really used this year of student senate to get a good hold
of what it is all about and what we can do for the school. Many of my
peers in my grade lacked information on what was taking place in the
school and I strongly appreciated and enjoyed being able to share my
knowledge with them. Having many voices from each grade is really
important for the senate because we are able to represent more of the
students within the school. I really enjoyed being a part of the
council and really hope to continue with it my sophomore year and
other years to come.

Cindy Wu

My name is Cindy Wu and I am currently a freshmen, soon to be a sophomore. I am very excited to see what the new year will bring and hope to give my class a good experience. That is why I am interested in joining the student senate. During this year, I have participated in many different clubs and activities in order to see what LS can offer us students. Throughout the year, I have been part of the following: class of 2013 steering committee, Invisible Children, Young Women's Leadership Club. Also, I have been able to experience a great time with the NOSB team. Being able to communicate with all the different people in my grade is important to me, as I really hope for a positive atmosphere here at LS. I would attempt to bring everyone together to create a productive and enjoyable place. Hearing everyone's opinions would be what I would focus on, to reach a common goal. I hope I am given an opportunity in the student senate to try to set forth everyone's goals.

Michael McGean

My name is Michael McGean and I am interested in becoming a member of the Student Senate for the 2010-2011 school year. In the fall I will be entering the tenth grade. I think that I would make an excellent member of the Student Senate because I have 2 years of Student Council experience from middle school. I am a hard worker and have ambitious goals for our school and how we can promote a more successful learning experience. As a student senate member I will work with my classmates to deliver the changes that they want to see in our school community. I am excited at the prospect of becoming a student senator and making vital changes in our school's community.

Zach Witkin

In seventh grade at Ephraim Curtis Middle School I developed an interest in politics, different cultures and people.  The next year I participated in the first annual inter-town civics bee.  This year, as a freshman I found Model United Nations and got deeply involved in that.  In March, I attended the National Model UN conference in New York City and was on the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee.  Even though I was not a prominent figure in the heat of the debate I was intrigued by the resolutions and amendments being formed by experienced debaters.  Being the only representative from LS and ‘rookie’ at the conference I soaked up what is actually like as a delegate.  I met some really interesting people and learn about their daily life. 

As I am the son of a K-8 school committee, I have gotten a lot of influence from my highly opinionated parents.  A lot of that influence I have embraced and called it my own.  I believe in enriching our education, if that means spending a little bit more money per family to have smaller class sizes, so be it.  We are the future of America and getting a better education is vital.  Even though I have been at LS for only one year I can see where the school needs help.  One key aspect of LS that is a major problem is the ‘drug and alcohol problem’.  I was very happy when Mr. Carpenter decided to bring a K-9 unit on the campus and to Featherland.  My reaction was “It’s about time!” I also was puzzled as to why the dogs did not sniff out backpacks.  Just doing the lockers, in my opinion was beside the point.  Almost no one ever uses lockers.  Another aspect I see that LS could improve upon would be sports conflicting with educational field trips.  The athletic department says it stress the phrase “student-athlete,” but I think right now it is more like “athlete-student.”  Basically, someone is punished if they miss a game because of an academic trip that further develops the understanding of a concept.  I look forward to making a positive impact on the Student Senate and the LS community.  

Callie Flanagan

I think I would make a good student Senator because I care about what goes on and what happens in our school. In middle school at Lincoln, I was an honorary member of the Student Council and I always tried to help out to make my school a better place and to help the community around us. I think it is important to be involved in changes that happen and to be part of the decision. I also have many opinions about many things, so being in the Student Senate would let me share those opinions. Overall, I think that being in student Senate is something I would be very good at.

Martin Flesche

Dear students of LS,

I come to you for support for my election in the race for L.S student senate. In my 8th grade year I was a member of the student council, a group similar to the student senate but on a much smaller scale. Our job was to give feedback to the teachers and staff about student’s opinions and complaints much the same as the task of student senate members. Last year I was also a member of the freshmen student senate in which I fought against the consolidation of the METCO director position. I believe that all students’ opinions and recommendations outlandish or straight forward are important and should be recognized as valid points in order to obtain a true learning environment. It also comes to question whether or not people in power will live up to their word, and to assure you I will do just that I intend to start with small goals such as a fundraiser here a petition there so as not to overwhelm the general public with countless activities but we will gradually pick up the pace and support local charity funds. With all our hard work and determination we can all make significant improvements in our community and our school. So I ask of you my peers that I be selected by your greater judgment to be given the high honor of being an active figure in the community.
 

Julia Thomas

My name is Julia Thomas and I wish to be a part of Student Senate this year.  My interest in entering the Student Senate stems from the desire to participate in making the decisions that affect my school, my peers, and me.  I want to help make a difference in what happens at LS because I want to make a better learning and social environment for myself and others.  I believe that school should be a high-quality environment to learn and to grow as young adults.  Student Senate is the best place to make a difference the in LS community.

I think I would make a good Student Senator because I feel comfortable in positions of leadership.  I can advocate for myself and others with ease, and I believe that these qualities could bring a lot to the Student Senate.  I have had previous experience in Student Senates and always try to involve myself in my school whenever I can.  For example, I was involved in the committee of students that helped choose the new house master this year and the new principal at Curtis when I was in eighth grade.  This year I am involved with the Steering Committee for my class, and in middle school I was also involved in the Student Council that was in place there.  That is why I believe that I can contribute a lot to the Student Senate at LS.

In conclusion, I would like to be a part of the Student Senate at LS because I want to be a part of the decision making body that makes choices that affect the environment of my peers and me.  I served on the Senate this year and having gained experience and learning how the Senate works, I am eager to have a role that contributes more to the Senate as a sophomore.  I would appreciate your consideration of my application.  Thank you.

Charlotte Balogh

I am interested in becoming a Senator as I understand the important role community can play in governing the people.  I am a freshman, and upon entering LS I was awed with the significant role the student body plays in cooperation with the staff.  I want to give a voice to my own ideals, and more importantly, for the audience I can connect to.  I am comfortable voicing my own opinion as well as listening to others.  I believe that everyone has good ideas that when heard can only help to strengthen the community.  I am unafraid to stick up for someone’s beliefs, my own included, until improvement is made.  Because of my pride in my school, I know that I can support a unique crowd of my peers.  I am a natural listener and people often look to me as a leader in school and on sports teams. 
 
In regards to the current issues at school, I am a firm believer that if we can find a way to make ‘getting involved’ more appealing to the student body, we can resolve anything.  For example, if the issues around drugs are addressed and the consequences outlined, there may be less people making poor decisions.  Also, I believe that bringing current events to the student body in a direct and personal way will strengthen student’s connection to the school.  If people hear of a debate over programs being cut, i.e. the Latin 1 program, they can be encouraged to step up and trust the Senate to address a conflict they might not have known otherwise existed. 
 
Because of my ability to give a voice to my peers’ ideas, my energy and interest in getting involved with a solution, and my pride in my school community, I would be a valid candidate for Student Senate.
 
Thank you for your time and consideration!

Kaileigh Maguire

My name is Kaileigh Maguire, I am in the class of 2013 and I am running for Student Senate this year. As of fall 2010 I will be a sophomore and I am asking for your vote in the 2010-2011 Student Senate election.

I believe that I would be an influential member of the Student Senate at LS because I have the passion to help others and the ability to lead. I work well in a group and enjoy helping people learn and grow. I am a leader and have no problem voicing my opinion, on a respectful scale. I want to help my school become a better place for everyone; students and staff alike. I was on the Student Council at my middle school, so I have the experience necessary to be a significant force on the Senate. I want to make a positive change in the community and be someone people can look up to and ask for help if they see something in need of change; I know that I personally look up to the current members of the Student Senate. I think that I could be an active and helpful member and work with my peers to solve any problem that comes our way. I have a lot to bring to the Student Senate and would love to work with others to change our school for the better. Thank you for your consideration.

Kellie Heye

After participating in the 2009-2010 Student Senate I would love to be reconsidered for next year.

This past year has allowed me to see what makes LS so special, and how it is different from other high schools.   I am proud to be moving into my sophomore year and proud of having been a part of the Student Senate this past year.   I learned a lot about the school and how students can really make a difference.  It is up to us to make change when we feel it is appropriate.   It is also up to us to maintain the standards of the school and, despite difficult economic times, provide memorable experiences for the students.   I have personally witnessed some of the positive change that students can create.  Raising money for Haitian relief was on everyone's minds this year, and the students of LS stepped in to be a part of that. With the new budget cuts leadership is a necessity and i hope to be a part of making changes and improvements. I enjoyed attending the meetings and I definitely learned a lot from the older members. I feel as if I could apply this knowledge and enthusiasm to the Student Senate next year.

I feel that I would be a great candidate for many reasons.  I have experience working on the Student Senate as a freshman.  In addition, I was involved in several groups here at LS this past year, along with activities outside of school. I have learned how to organize and prioritize in order to participate in those activities. Also, I could contribute an active voice along with much commitment. I want to be involved in making LS a better place while maintaing it’s unique culture.

I have a strong sense of pride in being a student at Lincoln-Sudbury High School and feel that I would like to be a part of making it even better.

Thank you for your consideration!

 

Junior '10-'11 Statements

Devon McCann 

I am interested in being in the Student Senate for several reasons. I like to strongly voice my opinions and have a say in my surroundings. When students get involved, I find that very admirable and hope to be one of those people. I am prepared to make decisions to better the community at LS and make senate more active in the school.
           

I have various qualifications that would make me a good candidate for Student Senate. My leadership qualities are very strong and I tend to guide people whether it’s on a sports team or when it comes to making decisions. I will also come to every meeting and be committed to the Senate.  Furthermore, my organization skills will be very useful when it comes to planning events and perhaps serving as secretary. However, my best qualification would be my desire to improve the culture at LS. If I get elected, I will make a great addition to the Student Senate.

Dan Neiterman

I believe that i would make a great student senator for multiple
reasons. First of all, i was a senator this past school year and the
senate did very well. I helped make important decisions that helped
the school in many ways. I believe that theft is a problem at our
school and that steps need to be taken to help resolve this issue. If
i get re-elected then i will help to make sure that something is done
about it.

Andy Driscoll   

My name is Andy Driscoll, and I am a currently a sophomore at Lincoln Sudbury High School. Next year I want to be a part of the Student Senate because I want to make a difference in the school. During my first two years here at LS I have been involved in several sports and have had the opportunity to hear what many of the students feel about the school and what they think can be improved. This gives me a good perspective that will allow me to be an effective member of the Student Senate. In addition, when I was in middle school I was in the Student Council for three years, and because of that I know what the commitment of joining will be. Finally, I am from Lincoln, and I feel that the voice of Lincoln students should be represented in the Student Senate. This year there were no Lincoln students from my grade in the Student Senate and I would like to change that. I have truly enjoyed my years at LS and I want to contribute by making sure that it continues to be a great place to go to school.

Emily Casey

My Name is Emily Casey and I would like to ask for your vote to be re-elected to the Student Senate. If elected this will be my third year as a Student Senator. Having two years of experience in the Senate will better help me to be an advocate for my fellow classmates in the future. During my past two years on the Senate I have taken the steps to become more involved in trying to improve our school. This year, as a sophomore, I helped to write and pass an amendment to the constitution that allows new members to join the Senate throughout the year. This was a huge step in opening the Senate up to more students and trying to better represent the student body as a whole. As times at L-S change, whether due to new administration or the budgets cuts, it is going to be important to have strong Senators to help make sure the L-S culture is preserved. I believe I am well qualified to be a Senator and help to preserve the L-S culture through my actions on the Student Senate.

As a Senator I hope to help maintain and improve the culture of LS. I feel that we as a school are somewhat disconnected and have been split up into small groups, instead of functioning as a whole. I would like for us come together. I intend to do this by trying to have more school wide events where all students can come and interact in a fun atmosphere. By attending sporting events, drama productions, club fundraisers, and musical concerts we can improve the culture of our school and support our classmates in the process. In order to achieve this, as a Senator, I would suggest that we have more school wide dances and fundraising functions that are open to all students and faculty.

As a three season athlete I have learned how to manage my responsibilities and school work effectively and how to budget my time. This quality is extremely beneficial to any Senator because the only way to improve our school is by quick direct action. I am a very focused student and I will apply the focus I use in my studies to the issues that are addressed in the Senate and I will work to my best ability to solve any problems and try to improve the school for the benefit of all students and faculty. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as a student Senator and represent my classmates.

Ricky Antonellis 

As a member of the student senate, I had a voice this year for the sophomore class. During the year, I was able to work on whether club sports should receive Varsity letters, spread the word about why an override was warranted after listening to Mr. Carpenter discuss the needs of the school and advocated for more privacy for the student body.  I would like to continue to be involved with the Student Senate my junior year and feel I would continue to be a worthy representative for my class because I have an outgoing personality and possess leadership qualities.
 
Thank you for your consideration.

Olivia Schellenberg 

My name is Olivia Schellenberg, and I am going to be a junior next year. I have been on the Student Senate at LS since I was a freshman, and I find it to be a very worthwhile and rewarding experience. Many students do not recognize the effort that senators put into solving many of the school's pressing issues, but the Student Senate is a truly irreplaceable organization. I would love to be a Senator once again, so please include me in this years ballot.

Thank you for your time!

Alex Brown

Hello, my name is Alex Brown. I’m currently a sophomore, and I would like to run for Student Senate next year. I’m well qualified and very interested in school politics, despite my lack of participation this year and the year before. Although it will be my first year serving next year, if I’m elected, I will commit myself to an active role in the Senate for the betterment of Lincoln-Sudbury.

I’d make an excellent senator for several reasons. I love Lincoln-Sudbury and I’m determined to do all I can to make it a better place for the student body. As a senator I will actively participate in bringing the students and administration closer together, as well as making sure that students are well-informed. I’ve also shown to be a good leader. Often times I lead discussions in class, and I’m the founder of the very new Club Liberty. The goal of the club is to raise awareness about pro-liberty politics, defend Lincoln-Sudbury’s culture of choice, and to provide a safe environment for people to share their ideas about a freer society. Each Wednesday I stimulate and moderate our conversations while working to grow our membership. The club has even hosted an event recently. Finally, as a senator I will defend our school’s culture of choice, which is what makes Lincoln-Sudbury special. I will always be a stalwart of freedom at our school.

My stance on the drug issue is two-fold. First, to truly minimize drug use as a part of LS culture the students need to lead the initiative. It is the activity of the students that the issue is based around, so changing their minds by connecting with and leading them is only way to solve the problem. Club Liberty has already sponsored a forum on drug usage at LS, in which students gathered to give their opinions on the issue – the first step towards resolution. As a senator, I will help make it the students’ fight, and remind them that they are responsible enough to make the right decisions. The second part of my stance is the relaxation of the administration’s aggressive approach. Drug busts and fear mongering will only turn the students away and damage the fragile relationship between the student body and the administration. Once the student body leads the way in fighting drugs, the administration needs to pursue a more peaceful course to maintain a good relationship with the students and to keep drugs out of the school.

My view on the budget is that an override should pass to give more money to the school, but that the administration needs to be more careful with funds. When in a scrap for cash, cutting whole programs like Latin is simply unacceptable. The purpose of school is to provide opportunities to students, and cutting entire programs is counterproductive. However, this doesn’t mean cuts shouldn’t be made. They certainly should, and future spending should be monitored so that when the economy has a downturn in the future Lincoln-Sudbury will be better prepared.

Jeff Kasle

My name is Jeff Kasle and I’m hoping to renew a spot on our Student Senate for the ’10-’11 year.  I was a participating member of the council last year and I still strongly believe that Senate is an important part of L-S culture.  I want to make sure that our beloved school is represented by individuals that embody the student body.  We are responsible of the difficult challenge of watching over the entire student body and making sure our values stand tall.  I am passionate about this council and will always work hard to make sure we can be as effective as possible.  I am a dedicated student, part of the Lincoln Sudbury Basketball Team and a member of my temple youth group. I participate in an array of extracurriculars and activities, and will bring this diversity to the Senate.  In addition, I am equipped with a strong set of morals such as determination, punctuality, and legitimacy. I am also a reliable performer and one that can always be counted on in stressful situations.  It would be a shame to see the Student Senate deteriorate, so if elected, I would do everything in my power to spread the word of what the Senate is doing, and help it remain as a functional component at Lincoln-Sudbury.

Haley Neil

My name is Haley Neil and I am currently a sophomore at LS. A couple of weeks ago, I began a petition to save the LS Latin Program with my friend Kathryn. We gathered 430 signatures. While gathering signatures, I talked to numerous students about issues concerning the school. I realized that the biggest problem wasn’t necessarily the programs being cut. It was the fact that students weren’t being involved in the process. I would like to join the Student Senate to foster a greater system of communications among students and the administration. With LS facing serious changes due to the current budget crisis, communication is key. I have never been one to sit idly by. Last year, after reading the novel Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson, I started a group called Books Before Bombs. We promote education in underprivileged areas. So far, we have raised over 700 dollars through Read-a-thons and are in the process of starting a book group. I am a member of the Speech and Debate team and served on the Student Advisory Board, which provides student debaters an outlet to perfect tournaments and share their views. I am also a peer tutor. I truly love education. I would like to join the Student Senate to ensure that communications are open between students and the administration. I have a voice. Now is the time to use it.

Connor Young

My interest in the student senate stems from my desire to work with others to make LS a better place for everyone. If elected, I would play an active role in planning school events and improving our school and community. I would use my past year’s student senator experience as a springboard to jumpstart next year’s activities. I am interested in adding activities that would promote school spirit and a sense of community. I would set up a team to benchmark the activities we have today against other schools by surveying several other schools for popular activities that we might bring to LS. I was a committed member last year and I hope to promote the role of student senate so that we can be even more effective this year. I would like to become even more involved in making LS a great community through visions, goals, and accomplishments.

Annika Nygren

I should be elected for the LS Student Senate for several reasons. To the senate, I would bring a great level of energy, an interest in discovering all sides of controversial issues and the perspective of someone who is heavily involved in athletics, community service and who has a  passion for academics. I pride myself in having friends involved in a variety of activities as well as having a good rapport with many of the faculty members at LS. I am extremely interested in the opportunity to be a part of a council of students my age who are given the initiative to positively change the school and speak for all students. I am not afraid to voice my opinions and stand up for something I feel is best for the students and the school, even if it is not the most popular opinion.

My experience at LS this past year has opened my eyes to many conflicts revolving around newly instated policies. I would like to make the LS high school experience enjoyable for all those who are enrolled.  By interviewing and questioning a spectrum of students I think most feelings could be addressed. Many conflicts within LS are due to differing opinions. The majority of the frustration of students comes from extreme policy changes allegedly made by the administration. On the senate I would aim to end the feud between faculty and students with a goal of reaching a happy medium. For example, there has been a lot of chatter recently about senior theme Fridays. Rumors of the removal of this tradition are flying around and on the senate I would work to reach a compromise by which students could continue the traditions in a manner found acceptable to teachers. I think my presence on Student Senate could make a difference in pleasing the general student body and I will work hard to obtain that goal.

Victoria Bane

I would like to be a part of the 2010-2011 Lincoln-Sudbury student senate. I have been a member of the student senate for two years, and I would like to continue to work to better the school. This year, I was especially proud of the forums that the senate held. I think this was a great way to learn student opinions on the issues. In the future, I would like to see more senate-run forums so we can best represent the students of Lincoln-Sudbury. As an eleventh-grade senator, I would also like to have more surveys as an additional way to collect the opinions of the student body. I am looking forward to another excellent year as a member of the Lincoln-Sudbury student senate.

Dan Shaughnessy

The Student Senate seems very important to Lincoln-Sudbury and its culture, and if I become a member I will be more then willing to do more then is expected of my role as a Student Senate participant. I have many different attributes that can positively contribute to the committee, and also make me a valuable member. Because I am part of many teams here at L-S and outside of the high school as well, I completely understand the importance and responsibility that comes along with being part of a team, and how vital it is to look out for all of your teammates and colleagues. For all of the teams I play on I consider myself a great leader, and I take pride in my leadership skills that will ultimately help support fellow committee members. As a student at Lincoln-Sudbury High School, I am very well rounded with all aspects of our high school culture. I consider myself exceptional at socializing and making friends quickly, and many teachers and friends say the same about me. High schools always have different groups of friends and many cliques, and I can relate to many of them, and if not I have friends that are involved in these different groups. This is because I enjoy being social with students other then my best friends, and that it can help you learn more about different people. In conclusion, I know that if I was accepted into the Student Senate, I would help make a great positive impact in whatever way possible, and I would love to be a part of something such as the Student Senate that is so involved with the Lincoln-Sudbury culture and community. 

Gina Miele

As a sophmore, I have already seen some of the difficult situations our school has faced. Next year the challenges we face at LS will be unprecedented. As a member of the student senate I will help to make changes that will benefit this school and also listen to the suggestions of my classmates who want to make LS a better place. Being a student senator will allow me to do what I do best, and that is make my voice heard.

In the past I have always tried to be an individual and not go along with the crowd. As senator of the Junior class I would enjoy taking on the issues facing our school and our students and work with other senators to constructively find ways to resolve some of these issues.

My mom has always told me that I am a head strong and stubborn young woman, but those are qualities that I believe are assets.  As Senator of the Junior class I will use those qualities to raise the issues and convey the overall opinions and sentiments of my fellow classmates.