The Fessenden School

Nine Upper School candidates delivered speeches to a crowded Memorial Schoolroom on Wednesday, October 1, with their eyes set on representing the Class of 2015. Campaign platforms were built around a mix of ground-breaking and crowd-pleasing ideas, many of which seemed to resonate with candidates’ peers.

“I urge you to vote for a candidate today, not based on friendship or popularity, but because you think he is the right choice,” one student commented during his opening remarks. This message was repeated and reaffirmed in many of the speeches. The universal affection for Fessenden, as well as candidates’ desires to become leaders in the Upper School, were also recurring themes.

Despite the common threads that ran through each speech, there were diverse ideas and declarations about what would make for a good class president. One candidate noted his leadership style would include serving as a role model for younger students. Another student introduced the idea of shortening lunch and adding a brief recess to stimulate cognitive function prior to afternoon classes. And, of course, there were the ever-popular promises to add ice cream sundaes to the lunch menu and to increase the number of free dress code days throughout the year.

Faculty and administrators were impressed by the caliber of this year’s candidates. “I commend these young men for wanting to serve their Upper School community in this capacity,” remarked Jason Singleton, Upper School Dean of Students. Upper School Head Todd Eveleth also noted that he “saw leadership in each and every one of the candidates.” He added that “they all took a chance, made a statement, and provided a clear vision for their beliefs."

Ballots were cast immediately following the speeches. On Thursday morning, Upper School Dean of Students Jason Singleton announced Griffin K. as the new class president for the 2014-15 school year. His first order of business will be to meet with and address seventh and eighth grade class representatives.