Candidate Statement: 

If I am one thing, I am a leader. Ever since I was young, I would always be the one to take charge in situations where it was necessary, and lead myself and others to success. My leadership comes from a place of passion, and I am always willing to commit to seeing things through for the best possible outcome. If elected as Vice President, I can sincerely promise that I will lead us as a student body to success as best as I possibly can. 

Everyone knows that the biggest responsibility of the VP is running Community Meeting, and I am the perfect candidate for that responsibility. I’m sure most of you have heard me in the hallways or seen me on stage–I’m loud and full of energy. Those are two things that Community Meeting NEEDS. It needs a person willing to be as ridiculous as they must to have the best time possible, it needs a person who is willing to give it the time and energy to for it be as great as possible. It also needs a person who will listen to what the student body wants. I will be open to all ideas, and if they work, I would love to implement them in Community Meeting.

It is also no secret that I’m gay, and while this may not directly relate to being a good VP, it shapes my perspective on leadership and advocacy. I have experienced many hardships relating to being queer, I know what it’s like to be bullied and left outcast. And for those reasons, I can promise that I will always fight for anyone who has ever felt left out, beat down, or just different. If I accomplish nothing more as Vice President, I will make sure to always put my best foot forward to make Peddie a safer space for people to truly be themselves. One of my central beliefs is that everyone deserves to be who they are, free of judgement.

Governing student council and the school will take a good portion of your time, what other activities both in and out of school do you plan on participating in? How will you balance them?

Looking to next year, I will of course be involved in theater, and will continue to serve as a leader for Spectrum at Peddie. Being a senior, I will also be focused on college applications, whilst balancing my relationships. Time management is one of my best skills. I’m an organized person, and when I need to get something done, it’s going to get done. In order to balance my responsibilities outside of being Vice President, as well as my own personal life, I will utilize those time management skills, as well as grow them in order to best serve each and every one of my responsibilities. My top priority would always be serving the student body, and I would always make sure to have room in my schedule to serve to the best of my ability.

What qualities do you possess that makes you a good role model and representative that will allow you to be a leader of the entire school?

Being a good role model is incredibly important to me. I have spent the past two summers as a camp counselor, and the feeling of young children looking up to you is the best. If being a camp counselor has taught anything, it’s to lead by example and always be willing to listen to everyone with a smile on your face. Those are two things that I always try to do while being a leader at Peddie. In assisting Freshman Musical this year, and being a leader of Spectrum, I have implemented and grown these skills, and will continue to do so if elected as Vice President. It would be different to do these things on a larger scale leadership position like VP, however I’d be willing to learn and figure out ways to continue to lead the way that I know how. My ears would always be open, and I would always lead others by example.

What ideas do you have for change and how would you implement these ideas? What would you like to continue?

To put it simply, Peddie needs more school spirit. We all feel the Peddie pride during Blair Week, but it tends to disappear throughout the rest of the year. Blue and Gold Chapel and the Blair Week Pep Rally are very well done, and I’d love to continue those traditions. It’s where we all really see that school spirit shine, so what better way to bring some more spirit to our community than by having more pep rallies? Let’s be honest, winter term is hard enough, and we don’t have any big events to make us want to keep going. Another spirit week, with a pep rally, and something waiting for us at the end of it like a basketball tournament, or a big dance would help with that winter depression. I would work with the student council, and gather thoughts from the rest of the community to make that a reality. Speaking of which, I would also love to implement a suggestion form when it comes to Community Meeting, and other school-wide events. In a leadership position, your job is to advocate for the community which you are leading. In this case, I would be advocating for us. Because of that, I would love to hear and implement the opinions of my community. The Peddie Community is extremely important to me, and as Vice President, I would care about what each and every one of the members think.

Q & A: 

What are some clubs, activities, teams, or groups that you’re a part of on campus? 

On campus, I participate in theater all three terms and I also serve as the leader for Spectrum, Peddie’s LGBTQ+ Affinity Group. I am a member of chorus and love spending my little free time with my friends. 

What is your favorite Peddie tradition/Peddie memory?

Vespers is certainly my favorite Peddie tradition. I’ve gotten to participate in it for the last three years, and the energy from performing to our community for the holidays always feels so warm and supportive.

Favorite book/movie/TV show? 

The White Lotus

Red White & Royal Blue

What song/songs have you been listening to most right now? 

“How Bad Do U Want Me” by Lady Gaga

“Miss Possessive” by Tate McRae