With every new school year comes renewed hopes and expectations for both students and faculty for a productive and memorable school year. Every year a new student council is elected to represent its student body to address all of the issues and challenges that arise during the course of the school year. On Tuesday, September 15, 2015, Padua Academy held its annual Junior Student Council Election in front of an enthusiastic and sometimes boisterous crowd. The event took place in the cafeterium where the student body eagerly listened to each candidate make their claim as to why they should be elected to student council before the final votes were cast. The candidates all promised to introduce some fun activities for the school year, but the topic that drew the biggest excitement was when they mentioned plans for the Junior Prom. That brought on a lot of oohs and aahs and giggles. Without a doubt, the Junior Prom is the most anticipated event for the junior class. “I expect my junior year at Padua Academy to be the most stressful but exciting year of my high school career” exclaimed Rebecca Romanies just before she placed her vote. She also stated, “I’ve been eager to hear all of the candidates’ speeches and to listen to their goals for the upcoming school year. I expect the new officers to be approachable and have strong leadership skills.” Several other students agreed with her and also stated that they expected the council members to work hard to make this a fun and memorable school year.

As for the results of the Junior Class Officer Election, the following students were selected to represent the Padua Junior Class of 2017; Brynna Gaffney, Arryana Daniels, Maya Shenoy, and Erial McGrier. Congratulations to the newly elected members and a special thanks to all of those who participated in the election process. Daniels said, “I was semi-confident because I do know many of the girls in my grade and they really liked my speech last year.” She added, “I feel that I handled the pressure well. I get very nervous before going up and speaking in front of a large crowd, but it is a lot of fun”. As for her plans and visions for the school year, Daniels shared, “Some of my plans involve the Junior Prom and the Winter Ball. I’d like to have a really good DJ for this year’s prom.” Daniels wasn’t too fond of the DJ’s in previous Padua dances. “I hope to have a good theme as well. The Winter Ball is always so much fun and I hope to make it even better.” When it comes to guiding others, especially with future student councils, Daniels believes “Any underclassman who is truly interested should run for class officer. Even if you are not elected, you will gain valuable self confidence to speak in front of others without fear.” With another successful election in the books, the student council along with the faculty, staff, and the entire student body of Padua Academy, will certainly spark some sizzle in the 2015-2016 school year.