On November 10, Manhattan Star Academy (MSA) welcomed a new student President and Vice President to its upper school. The school first held an election last November as a way to unite the students during the hybrid school year. However, given the election's popularity, it seemed like a natural next step to hold another campaign season this year, while adding a VP to the mix.

“We asked every student that was campaigning to put together a speech,” explained Rosa Ramos, Lead Teacher. “The goal for next year to slowly grow our cabinet a little bit more as our kids get older.”

Image

This year, seven students campaigned, pulling out all the stops for the election. One candidate even gave out M&Ms and got stickers made with his face on them. The campaign season involved close collaboration between MSA families and staff at the school, as presidential hopefuls prepared posters, fliers, and actively sought support from their peers.

In the end, a shared interest pushed two candidates over the top. “Our President’s campaign slogan was ‘Pizza Fridays’ and our Vice President’s was ‘Taco Tuesdays,’ so they definitely grasped that the way to their peers’ hearts is through their stomachs,” said Ramos.

Throughout the year, the President and VP will collaborate to help plan events and activities, do the opening and closing announcements, and help facilitate the school’s winter performance.

“These are two students in different classrooms and the opportunity to work together is a great social-emotional skill for our learners,” said Ramos.