Student Council elections are approaching rapidly. Sometime next week, students will sit in the Bet Midrash and listen to the potential candidates for the Presidency deliver their speeches. Inevitably, some candidates will champion better sports equipment, more fashionable merch, more exciting trips, or even campus beautification programs. I’m taking a different approach: advocating for more recognition towards hardworking students.

Those who partook in the Mock Trial Program, Debate Club or other various extracurriculars know me well for my honesty, integrity and responsibility. Those who know me well can vouch that whenever I have a plan for the future, I will get it done.

My goal as STUCO president is to shine light on those who are hard working and those who put effort into their classes. Primarily, to give more privileges to students who put in the time and effort to succeed academically. Even if you don’t have a high GPA, you could still be eligible for these achievements if a teacher of yours deems you worthy. The purpose of this program is to help encourage those who work hard, give proper respect to their teachers, and participate in class to feel seen and respected. Rewards could be a free breakfast outside or a special trip off campus. 

One huge project in my presidency program is something along the lines of a “Student of the Month” program. Students eligible for this award will be hand picked by their teachers for being recognized for their responsibility, honesty, and other incredibly important values and virtues that every student should be practicing. This program specifically has been well received among the several Valley Torah staff I have spoken to. So if I am able to be elected president, I believe that we have a very good chance to initiate this program as soon as next year.

Unlike previous presidents, I will not wander aimlessly half the year just to start my promised campaign goals near the end of my term. I already ran my ideas past the administration and have approval from numerous members.