By Joe English

GALWAY–As the end of the year draws closer, our annual Class elections approach.  After writing a new constitution for the Junior Class this year, our election procedures, types of positions, and roles for each officer have changed.  The Class Office will still be led by a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, but will be aided by two Sergeants at Arms and two co-historians. (For a full description of each position’s role in Class government, see below.)

Next year’s Class government will be in charge of organizing the Senior Class trip—an outing (or series of outings) that brings the Class together before graduation.  To adequately prepare for the trip, our Class officers will need to organize a variety of fundraisers to offset costs, communicate with administrators and Board members, advertise the event to seniors, and plan the trip itself.  Senior year will obviously be one of the most active for our Class government, and having dedicated leaders will be crucial for success.

If you are interested in running for an elected position, you will take part in a two-step process.  First, applicant will meet with Mr. Swain to schedule an interview.  In the interview, Mr. Swain will verify that you are qualified to lead our Class by discussing your experience, skills, and goals for next year.  If you are deemed eligible, you will be put on our election ballot.  Voting will take place on TUESDAY, MAY 29TH during homeroom, and results will be announced the following day on GTV.

Elected Positions:

1.     The President is the chief executive officer of the Class and is responsible for representing the Class at all events, activities, and fundraisers. The President will preside over meetings and may appoint cabinet members and officers as the need arises.  It is also his/her duty to serve as a liaison to the school administration and other Class Offices.

2.     The Vice President assists the President and will become President if there is a vacancy in that position.  (S)he will serve as a liaison to the Student Senate and other extra-curricular organizations.

3.     The Secretary will keep minutes at meetings and record and maintain Class records.  (S)he is responsible for communication to Class members regarding meetings and events.  The Secretary will call meetings to order and provide Class Officers with copies of the previous meeting’s minutes.

4.     The Treasurer will be in charge of all Class financial matters.  The Treasurer will collect monies and keep a record of Class members’ personal accounts.  The Treasurer will prepare a financial report for the Class at the beginning of each semester.  The Treasurer has the power to veto financial decisions passed by the Class Office, but may be overruled by a supermajority vote. 

5.     The Sergeant(s) at Arms will serve as executive assistants to all Class Officers and will help with the logistics of Class fundraisers and events.  At any given time, the Class Office may have up to three (3) Sergeants at Arms.  The Sergeant(s) reports to the Advisor, President, and Vice President, and may be assigned individual roles and responsibilities for the year (Prom, activism, etc.).

6.     The Historian is in charge of documenting and displaying all activities, fundraisers, and events the Class participates in.  They are required to post pictures of said occasions on the Class Facebook within two weeks of the event.  Additionally, the Historian is in charge of creating the Class slideshow for graduation.

Competition is vital for a democracy to remain strong.  After hosting lively elections last year, we hope to see as many students declare candidacy as possible.  For more information, speak to Joe English or Mr. Swain.  Support your class, and schedule an interview today!