🗳️ A different kind of election season excitement filled the hallways of Hominy Valley Elementary on Thursday, as candidates for Student Council made their last appeals to voters.
In the four fourth grade classes, each of the 50-plus candidates for the eight-person council pitched themselves and their platforms to their eager peers. The proposals ranged from the simple and practical to the grand and ambitious. Standing in front of Ms. Avery Burleson’s class, one student advocated for accessibility improvements to the playground, while another proposed a “lemonade day” as part of Spirit Week. Another candidate offered both an end of year dance party and a buddy system for students to support each other’s social-emotional needs.
“We have more candidates than I’ve ever seen this year,” said fourth grade teacher Avery Burleson. “This group of students is very driven, with big personalities and a strong desire to make a difference in their school. I find that really inspiring.”
Each fourth grade student votes for two candidates in their class, using the cafeteria as the polling location and a balloting system that mimics actual U.S. elections. The top vote-getters join the student council under the supervision of club sponsor and student counselor Elizabeth Parker. The kids meet on a regular basis to discuss school improvements, talk with teachers and administrators, and gain leadership skills. They also spearhead several fundraising projects for the school.
“Voting and elections can seem very mysterious to children, so this whole process really helps them understand how voting and representation work,” Ms. Burleson said. “It also builds confidence in the students, even those who don’t win. They have the satisfaction of having their ideas heard by their peers and teachers.”