By Osasere Imade and Riggs Hidalgo
2019-2020 Student Council President: Rain Montilla
Our student council elections took place in 2019, and the senior class made their decision. This year’s class president is Ms. Rain Montilla (top), and serving as vice president is Ms. Vanisha Jassi (bottom).
To get a better understanding of each officer’s views, we conducted a brief interview to ask them about their leadership strategies, and why they chose to run for the highest offices available in student government.
2019-2020 Vice President: Vanisha Jassi
Q: What was the main reason you ran for a leadership position in the student government?
Rain: Basically, I wanted to make a change—but not necessarily, because obviously, when you are a student body president you cannot do much. Some people seem to think that when you are President you can do a lot—but I’m not a school principal.
Still, I wanted to do something that would make our senior year memorable. So, being that I was already broadcasting for MCTV, I thought I would already have a few people that knew me, and that this could be a good foundation for my campaign.
Yet even last year when I made a list of things I wanted to do for our senior year, [initially] I never thought I would run for president. First I thought I would run as a representative, but then I thought that if I am going to run for something I might as well go big, or go home.
Vanisha: I wanted to assure [fellow students that] everyone’s ideas and opinions would be represented and respected. Many of my classmates wanted me to run because they wanted someone who allows others to voice their concerns without bias, and someone who remains optimistic. I want to be able to make this senior year very fun.
Q: Which one of your personal qualities will help you most during your term?
Rain: I feel that because I have participated in many things such as MCTV and internships, it has become easier for me to talk to people. Now as class president—besides talking to the student body— I also have to talk to school administrators. Since I’ve been placed in other positions where I had similar responsibilities, I already knew what I would have to do.
Vanisha: It would be the fact that I’m very soft-spoken. Personally, I believe this trait of mine allows others to feel very comfortable and natural around me; which also allows people to be open with me about different ideas and goals they have.
Q: What ideas do you hope to implement?
Rain: Well, first I will definitely initiate a voting system to get things passed—because it’s not only me [making the decisions]. Plus I plan on having days where there are more senior activities like barbecues and other things that are memorable.
I also want to have a better way for incoming students to experience [or get a preview of] what Advance Placement classes are, so any students thinking of taking multiple APs will be better prepared.
Vanisha: I would like to create an eco-friendly school environment, have more parties, more senior-outing days, and save more money. I want to build stronger staff and student relationships, and propose more spirit days.
Q: How will you be implementing these plans?
Rain: Since I am not the only student in the school I would need some opinions from the senior class. So I [will ask for] a vote on all the plans I propose, to be able to see if the seniors agree, and to get their input.
Vanisha: I will suggest eco-friendly alternatives such as changing lights to energy-saving lights, getting more recycling cans, etc. I also plan on having multiple fundraisers and allowing this money to go towards students who aren’t able to afford senior dues.
Staff will also be able to collaborate with more students by holding votes on senior trips that we might have. The student council as a whole is working on all these plans and we will definitely see more of these ideas in the future.
Q: How will you work with others in the student government?
Rain: I already know Vice President Jassi, and all of the reps that were elected. Since I know the type of students they are, I know how to communicate with them. We have weekly meetings either every day, or every other day. In those meetings, I don’t want to be the only one talking. I want to encourage them to talk more than me, since I value their input.
Vanisha: The president, the class representatives and I have organized a system in which we are able to freely communicate the planning of senior events. Everyone is able to voice their opinions, and their ideas will always be respected.