A Tough Election Race At

The Middle School

By Tanjua Damon

If effort and seriousness of purpose were determining factors, Newtown Middle School Student Council candidates could offer national and local politicians a run for their money. The 16 candidates running for the four offices spoke to their peers Friday before ballots were cast.

Honor, respect, organized, dedication, enthusiasm, positive attitude, teamwork, and responsible were words that were heard repeatedly as the candidates tried to sway prospective voters. Each candidate gave a speech during three assemblies so all the student body could hear their views.

Before the speeches, the halls of the school were filled with “political” signs promoting candidates running for president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer.

Linda Dale Mulholland, an advisor for the student council, said there is an application process for candidates. Many students applied to be a possible candidate this year. Students also have to write an essay. Two recommendations are required, one from a teacher the student has had and another from a non-relative from the community. Then students take part in an interview process.

There were four candidates for each position. The four who ran for president included Siobhan Cooper, Kyle Lyddy, Jessica Remitz, and Kaltrina Sedaliu. Vice president candidates were Tara Gaston, Bria Innaurato, Tyler Law, and Sarah McSweeney. Candidates for secretary included Nathaniel Basch-Gould, Nikia McFadden, Kyle Murphy, and Olga Virgalla. Treasurer candidates were Paul Ashey, Courtney Brunton, Kate Fielding, and Mike Nastri.

Students who run for president and treasurer have to be in the eighth grade. Vice president candidates are from the seventh grade. Secretary candidates are from the sixth grade.

The new Student Council officers are president Kaltrina Sedaliu; vice president Tara Gaston; secretary Nikia McFadden; and treasurer Paul Ashey.