New Student Government Looks to Reimagine Role

Student government members meet with Dr. Quinlan to discuss plans for the year. Photo: Jaclyn Gendler

By LUCAS PASCHKE and MANUEL LOZANO-VELEZ

“It’s always a beautiful day to be a hornet!” This is the line every student in Midwood has heard once or twice, echoing through the halls. You can now hear the voices of a new student government delivering that message every morning.

At the end of the 2021-2022 school year, Midwood elected a wave of newcomers and familiar faces to oversee grades 10-12, and on October 14, the freshmen added their representatives to round out the team. 

Representing the students of Midwood for the 2022-2023 school year are Mayor Elia Gorelik ‘23, Senior President Jaclyn Gendler and Senior Vice President Kate Sum, Junior President Anastasiya Zhirova and Junior Vice President Cindi Li, Sophomore President Raymond Chen and Sophomore Vice President Serena Li, Freshman President Lorenzo Spence and Freshmen Vice President Carol Zhong, Executive Secretary Elise Badmaev ‘24, and Comptroller Joanne Zhu ‘24.

The new representatives vividly remember the struggles of last year’s campaigning and election day. 

“I was going against some tough competition,” Serena Li said. “I had to run against some of my closest friends. It was probably the most stressful part of my life.”

“It was a little nerve-wracking,” said Gorelik, who said she was “excited” to build on the government’s accomplishments when she was junior vice president last year.

While some of the elections came to nail-biting finishes, other candidates enjoyed the process and spread their messages outside of school.

“I had a lot of fun during some parts,” said Zhirova. “I campaigned with a video I made in Target, posted a lot on social media, and gave out business cards to people.”

“I posted on my Instagram every day leading up to the Freshman Elections,” said Spence. “It was surprising to see so many people support me, in person and on social media.”

“I feel like social media is the best way to have your voice heard,” said Serena Li. 

This was a commonality between the new government members. When they weren’t able to get their message across during the busy Midwood school days, the candidates took to social media to reach the community and use their creativity in new ways. 

“Now that PupilPath is gone, we only have access to social media,” Gendler explained. 

As Covid-19 restrictions keep easing, the student government looks to make their efforts a more active part of Midwood daily life. More events for each grade were a key campaign promise for many of the candidates.

“We want Midwood to connect as a community,” said Gendler. “Through more school spirit days, we want to make some memories.”

“I want everyone to have a fun experience in high school,” said Chen. “I want to plan more events so [sophomores] can grow up and remember what they did in high school.”

“Increasing overall school spirit is a big goal of ours for the year,” said Sum. “But without participation from the students, that can’t happen, and the student government will not be able to do its job.” 

“I always felt like nobody liked the student government because they think that SGO doesn’t do anything,” Sum added. “I want to show people that SGO can make a difference in the school through more active events with the student body.”

With that in mind, the new student government wants to reimagine their role from previous years. Many of the returning members look forward to changing their duties.

“Last year as comptroller, I didn’t really know much about how to fund all of the student activities, teams, and clubs that I wanted to,” said Zhu. “Now that I was reelected, I’m really getting into the little bits of the job so I can develop my skills and be more comfortable with the position.”

“This year, we are a lot more involved with school events,” said Cindy Li, who was sophomore vice president last year. “Dr. [Robert] Quinlan [the school’s principal] has become very involved with the student government, which has given us more opportunities to plan events.”

In addition to school spirit, fairs, and fests, many of the members want to establish new aspects of Midwood never seen before. Mental health is a priority for Gorelik, with one of her goals being greater access to social workers for those in need of help.

Spence discussed safety as a priority. “I want to make sure that all students feel welcome and safe in Midwood and are able to speak to someone about their problems,” he said.

The new energy in the school has been immediately visible to students, with the first in-person club fair in two years on October 13, Coming Out Day on October 11, and Senior Band Tee Day on October 21.

“My plans are their plans,” said Dr. Quinlan. “I’ll assist them wherever I can to help the student government achieve their goals. I’m here to support them to the nth degree.”

“I am really excited to see what they can accomplish,” he added. “They are some of the first people I met back in August when I started at the school. They are very dedicated and care so much for the school.”