At the Park

Student Council Elections

Ella Wheeler, Staff Writer

September 20, 2024

The podium stands ready for candidates to address their peers.

It’s no secret that Wheeling Park has a lot to offer. Students can get involved with hands-on activities like welding or engineering, or students can take a different approach like taking an extra history class. The fact is that the Student Council is what brings all of the kids in the student body together, no matter what path you’re taking.

To run for student council there is a checklist of basic requirements to become a candidate. Some of these requirements include attendance and discipline checks, and 20 student signatures of support for the student planning to run.

Once the student is approved, they can start campaigning. Students usually like to make signs that incorporate their personalities, and what they plan to accomplish. Some of the signs are funny while others are meant to get a specific point across. The signs hang all around the school and are everywhere, especially in the main stairwell.

“I like to see all of the students show what they plan to do through their signs, it helps me decide who to vote for,” said sophomore Connor Kiziminski.

Another major step in the election process is the speeches. Grade by grade, candidates take their turn by getting up on the PAC stage and presenting a speech to their grade level. In the speeches, students tend to talk about the policies and promises they plan to instate when elected into office. This also helps students narrow down who they plan to give their vote to.

But do the speeches and the signs really make a difference? Or is it just who people recognize, know, or are friends with? To find out I interviewed a few students to ask who they voted for and why.

“(I voted) Sam Kiger because I felt he’s done the best job since he’s been running,” said senior Sangra Kafton.

“I voted for Taylin (Holt) because she’s been it (president) all three years and like we all know that she’s good at it.” said junior Abbie Hines.

Some students base their votes on who has done the best in the past, but in some cases, candidates are running for the first time.

“I voted for Gianna Mills because I felt like she could actually make a change in the Student Council,” said sophomore Mikayla Graski.

These interviews help bring the assumption that when running for Student Council the posters, speeches, and of course, how you did in the previous years count.

Make sure that next year when the time rolls around to run for Student Council.

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About the Contributors

Ella Wheeler, Staff Writer

Ella Wheeler is a sophomore staff writer for The Park Press. Ella is very skilled in talking when she is not supposed to, along with being absolutely hilarious. Previously, she has written an assortment of grocery lists throughout the years, making her extremely qualified to write for The Park Press. Outside of school, Ella has also tried almost every sport under the sun, and is still not very skilled or liked in any of them. One that she has taken a liking for is golf. She is currently sitting in the Top 6 players on the girls team. Ella also participates in the Wheeling Park Speech and Debate team which is extremely successful.

Kelsey Holeczy, Staff Writer

Kelsey Holeczy is a senior staff writer for the Park Press. She is never one to take no for an answer and always makes a point to keep a close watch on what’s happening around her. As a proud, involved community member of both Wheeling and Claysville, Kelsey is connected to countless individuals beyond just her immediate community. A proud documentary enthusiast, Kelsey can explain the most outlandish events with detail and vividness like you’d never imagined. Her insane obsession with any and all slightly interesting happenings fuels her storytelling and helps her take an approach to stories in a way you’ve never seen before. Whether she’s unraveling stories from the past or is covering current events, the documentary-obsessed side of her always shines through and makes every story memorable. Kelsey is the Secretary of the iconic Wheeling Park High School Speech and Debate Team and, with all the time and work she puts into her team, she is considered an unofficial coach. She has won countless trophies throughout the past two years she has spent on the team, her favorite being her first-place Original Oratory plaque from the 23’ Pine Richland Invitational, and is excited for what’s to come in her senior year. While she excels at interpretation events, her true expertise lies in writing and performing persuasive pieces. She is always eager to voice her opinion and encourage others to see things from a new angle.