With elections for student council being held virtually, candidates have had few opportunities to campaign. Many students don't know the candidates well and will face a tough decision when voting. The Warrior Word contacted candidates and asked: What is one thing you are going to focus on as a member of the student council? With that, we hope to help the student body find the candidates they most align with.
9th Grade Representative:
Chana Stiefel vs. Samantha Pantoja
What is one thing you are going to focus on as a member of the student council?
Stiefel: “I hope to support my fellow student council members, create fun programs, and most importantly represent my class.”
Pantoja: “I am going to focus on making the school a lot more enjoyable and fun for the students and teachers. I would be focusing on coming up with activities for Shabbat assemblies and other fun things to do during holidays. My goal is to listen to everyone’s suggestions and help bring them to life.”
10th Grade Representative:
Moshe Dov Lachs (Unopposed)
What is one thing you are going to focus on as a member of the student council?
Lachs: “One thing I’m going to try and focus on as a member of student council is try and make it that there is a break in classes and that there would be more fun activities in school.”
Secretary:
Shoshana Stein (Unopposed)
What is one thing you are going to focus on as a member of the student council?
Stein: “I want to focus on ensuring that this year is as fun as possible and doing all I can to represent the student body in the best ways, especially due to our limited options because of Corona.”
Treasurer:
Robert Zohar (11th Grade) vs. Joel Kamhazi (12th Grade)
What is one thing you are going to focus on as a member of the student council?
Zohar: “As a member of the student council I will focus on every student as an individual and hear what they have to say. I will do things for them and try to involve them in everything. I believe in equality for all students, so I will really be with my team.”
Kamhazi: “What I think is critical and fundamental as a potential member of the student council is being able to take everyone's opinion into consideration as well as keeping a positive energy throughout the school. I will open new ideas to the student council. As long as everyone is happy, I will have done my job. ”
Vice President:
Emanuel Barkagan (11th Grade) vs. Danelle Levi (12th Grade)
What is one thing you are going to focus on as a member of the student council?
Barkagan: “I am going to focus on making life better for each individual student, and I am also going to ensure a great transition from online school to physical school.”
Levi: “What I am going to focus on definitely depends on whether we are remote or in school. I would definitely like to make things as fun as we can. Especially in a year like this, I hope I can bring Ruach and fun to the school, and although the situation is going to be hard I think that I will be able to handle it since I have been on student council in past years. I have ideas and the capability to make it an enjoyable year regardless of our situation. I also really want to make sure the students’ voices are heard."
President:
Mary Berkowitz (12th Grade) vs. Yosef Fruhman (12th Grade)
What is one thing you are going to focus on as a member of the student council?
Berkowitz: “The main thing I am going to try to emphasize is diversity and unity, meaning there is going to be a lot of different things going on and people will be able to express themselves how they want to, whether it be through their club or being really involved in the school through different things, and also showing togetherness as a student body. I want to do activities, whether through zoom or very soon in person, to show Ruach. For example, teacher appreciation day, birthday announcements, etc.”
Fruhman: “I feel like there is this perception that the student council is ineffectual or unapproachable and I feel like I want to fix that should I get elected. I want people to look to the student council and feel that they can go to them for anything. I want to be a bridge between the administration and the student body.”
Compiled By: Owen Ebner (10th Grade) and Bailey Spitz (11th Grade)