News

Lower School Elects Student Council Leaders

Campaign slogans and posters filled the lower school hallways as voting day, November 5 approached. Candidates in third through fifth grade came up with reasons why they wanted to run for the lower school student council. Fourth grader, Coco Kucaba, said, "I thought it would be fun to be vice president... I wanted to be on the student council to leave an impact on other students."

After the primary vote, where classes voted on their individual candidates, campaigning began. Many students created stickers and posters to encourage their classmates' votes. Their week of campaigning came to a close with a final speech. Three candidates for each position (president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary) prepared a speech that would be presented in front of all third through fifth graders.

After speeches were given, lower schoolers were ready to vote. Dr. Martin reminded students, "In America, we are blessed with the freedom to vote as we choose. I encourage you all to think about your decisions." He also told the students, "The voting process in America is typically private. Although it is not required that you keep your vote a secret, it is the respectful thing to do. Regardless of the results, we will continue to love one another and be happy for each other."

On Tuesday morning, polls opened at 8:30 am. Students filled the voting room eager to cast their votes. After making their selections, they received a voting sticker, to proudly represent the blessing of voting freedoms in America. Fourth-grade teacher, Katie Hyman, said, "It builds leadership skills in the people that are on it."

The lower school student council will meet once a month with Dr. Martin. They have already discussed things like penny drives, the talent show, and additional fundraising ideas for the Student Life Center. This year's secretary, Banks Jenkins, shared, "I want to help the lower school grow this year. I was on the student council last year and I had so much fun. I look forward to having the same experience this year."

Here's a look at this year's Student Council:
President: Landry Bowen
Vice President: Coco Kucaba
Treasurer: Maggie Anderson
Secretary: Banks Jenkins
Representatives:
5th Grade: Juliet Olson & Parker Pinson
4th Grade: Jordy Romine & Wyatt Campbell
3rd Grade : Allie Grace Tate & Andrew Pinkela

We look forward to seeing how these leaders serve throughout the year!

Remembering Those Who Have Served

Mrs. Minahan's 5th grade history class observed Veteran's Day in a special way. Students who wished to tell their classmates about a family member who served in the U.S Armed Forces were able to present to their class. In all, 20 students made presentations, and the stories they shared were meaningful and memorable. As the students talked about their relatives, the pride they felt for them was palpable. Mrs. Minahan shared with the class about her husband and his time in as a submarine officer in the Cold War and showed them his uniform. Naomi Zumbrunnen presented information about her mother who both served in the United States Air Force and about her father is still active in the Air Force. 

Maggie Anderson, Laura Horne, Teagan Delaney, Kade Watson, and David Barnes also shared about their family members who served in a variety of ways in the U.S. military.  Some students presented power points and others brought in posters and other memorabilia like jackets, plaques, and photographs. 

Adelaide Suddeth had an intriguing presentation about her great- grandmother who was a code-breaker during World War II in the Waves. Her own husband did not know what she was doing for the U.S. He did not find out until after the war was over. Her grandmother was also the model used for one of the posters developed by the military to encourage other women to serve. 

Hearing about those who served in the military in such a personal way was definitely memorable for these 5th graders.