2020-2021 is going to be a year like no other. As a result, the Student Council will have a tough year ahead of them as they balance safety with socializing. But if anyone is up to a challenge, it is these Raiders!
We asked each member of the executive council a series of questions about themselves, the greater STA community, and what their role within the Student Council is this year. First off, here’s what your president and vice-presidents had to say!
President, Jack Kukolic
- Describe your position.
I’m boss man.
- Do you have a secret talent or interesting skill?
I Irish Dance.
- Why are you excited about being elected?
I’m excited to be elected because I can make STA a better place and run awesome events for our student body!
- What is your favourite thing about STA?
My favourite thing is all of our awesome teachers!
Vice-President, Lourd Youssif
- Describe your position.
My position is to ensure everyone enjoys this school year, is informed of all the events, and basically to fill in for the president if he is unavailable.
- Describe yourself in three words.
I’m straightforward, empathetic, and hard working.
- Do you have a secret talent or interesting skill?
Well, I figure skated for most of my life if that’s an interesting skill.
- Why are you excited about being elected?
I’ve wanted to be on the presidential council for so long! When I got elected, I sort of felt like I made grade 9 me proud in a way.
- What is your favourite thing about STA?
My favourite thing about STA is the talented people that walk the halls. We have athletes, scholars, artists, and many more. All these people help to build a very diverse and welcoming community that I’m so glad to be a part of!
Vice-President, David Ribkoff
- Describe your position.
My position is to make sure everything is running smoothly in the student council and to make sure as many students as possible are getting involved in school activities.
- Describe yourself in three words.
Enthusiastic, helpful and friendly.
- Do you have a secret talent or interesting skill?
I suppose my interesting skill would be that I play guitar, but other than that I’m pretty normal.
- Why are you excited about being elected?
I’m excited to make the most out of our school year and contribute to making school a more fun and safe place for everyone.
- What is your favourite thing about STA?
My favorite thing about STA is the amazing people I’ve met through this school.
Treasurer, Jessie Peng
- Describe your position.
I’m the treasurer so I help organize financial initiatives such as fundraising and investing in resources for school events!
- Describe yourself in three words.
Optimistic, zesty, and curious.
- Do you have a secret talent or interesting skill?
I have perfect pitch.
- Why are you excited about being elected?
I’m excited that I can work closely with super hardworking and creative people to create innovative events for our student body!
- What is your favourite thing about STA?
I love all of the different clubs and extracurricular programs we have at STA; all of these events involve people of all grades so it’s nice to meet a lot of people!
Secretary, Elizabeth Mendez
- Describe your position.
I am the secretary for the student council which means that during meetings I’m writing everything down! I am responsible for making sure everyone knows who is responsible for what they are doing to help contribute to the events we plan for STA.
- Describe yourself in three words.
I would describe myself as: confident, positive, and goofy. I like having fun, but I totally understand the importance of management!
- Do you have a secret talent or interesting skill?
I wouldn’t say this is a talent or interesting skill, but I am really good at thinking on my feet. I would say I know how to handle stressful social situations!
- Why are you excited about being elected?
I am excited to just be a part of the council! I love being a part of the STA community and I feel like I belong on council!
- What is your favourite thing about STA?
My favourite thing about STA is the community. Everyone is so friendly and nice and I love making friends! It doesn’t matter our age difference, everyone at STA can hold a great conversation!
Now it’s time to hear from each of your grade representatives!
Grade 12 Representative, Mirna Aziz
- Describe your position.
My position as the Grade 12 representative means that I am the voice of my grade. I connect with my peers and try to understand what it is they would like to see happen in our school year and put that into action.
- Describe yourself in three words.
I’m driven, determined and approachable!
- Do you have a secret talent or interesting skill?
I can communicate with others effectively!
- Why are you excited about being elected?
I’m excited to be a part of the executive council as I can help in making this year as great as possible.
- What is your favourite thing about STA?
My favourite thing is the variety of clubs we have to offer.
Grade 11 Representative, Emma Pascu
- Describe your position.
I am the Grade 11 female representative! I am here to represent my grade and help plan events, along with other initiatives run throughout the school year!
- Describe yourself in three words.
A creative soul!
- Do you have a secret talent or interesting skill?
I am a calligrapher.
- Why are you excited about being elected?
I am super stoked to be elected because I get to play a part in making sure that despite everything going on, everyone is still satisfied with their high school experience as much as possible.
- What is your favourite thing about STA?
I love the spirit that together, we all bring to make STA awesome every day!
Grade 11 Representative, Tomi Ayeni
- Describe your position.
I am the Grade 11 male representative which means I bring awareness to various topics that relate to the Grade 11s at STA. However, I also help plan events that can be done with the entire STA community as well.
- Describe yourself in three words.
I’m kind, unparalleled and reserved.
- Do you have a secret talent or interesting skill?
I wouldn’t say that I have a secret talent, but I do consider myself to be a pretty good singer.
- Why are you excited about being elected?
I am excited about being elected because I want to have a large role in making this school year as fun as possible. COVID did limit a lot of things that could have been done in previous years, but being elected has given me an opportunity to plan new events that work for this unique year.
- What is your favourite thing about STA?
My favourite thing about STA is the people. We have an extremely diverse student body filled with people of different talents, backgrounds, and interests.
Grade 10 Representative, Anh Bui
- Describe your position.
My name is Anh Bui and I am your Grade 10 representative for the 2020-2021 school year! I’m ultimately here to bring your fun ideas, suggestions, and any concerns to the council and admin. Student Council exists to give students a voice, but I will make sure, as a Grade 10 Rep, that it is a priority! As an executive of the Student Council, I also weigh in on important decisions and events.
- Describe yourself in three words.
Diligent, creative, down-to-earth.
- Do you have a secret talent or interesting skill?
I play the piano and I love to paint whenever I have free time! A secret talent… well, I did learn how to moonwalk during quarantine. Although, I don’t plan on getting caught in the act.
- Why are you excited about being elected?
Grade 10 Raiders are all really important to me, so knowing that I have their trust and support going forward this year truly means a lot. I’ll try my best to solve student needs and creatively find ways to connect us together even during social distancing. I’m excited to do Raiders proud by making this 2020-2021 school year unforgettable!
- What is your favourite thing about STA?
My favourite part about STA is definitely the community. Everyone here, no matter what grade or program they’re in, is so welcoming and friendly. During the elections, the feedback and support (and campaign memes) I received from Raiders was overwhelming! I really wouldn’t be here without everyone who had my back. I’m so thankful to be surrounded by such an incredible community!
Grade 10 Representative, Jad Dennaoui
- Describe your position.
Hey there, I’m Jad and I’m your Grade 10 male representative this year!
- Describe yourself in three words.
Honestly, the first three words that come to mind are: observant, passionate, and well-rounded. I am aware that is two words.
- Do you have a secret talent or interesting skill?
This question caught me off guard, but I can wiggle my ears.
- Why are you excited about being elected?
Honestly, I just want everyone to have the best experience possible at STA. I know that’s cliche, but it’s true.
- What is your favourite thing about STA?
Definitely the athletics. Not just being in our teams, but supporting our Raiders at events like Pink Day. And, I’m sure you guys also enjoy the missing class aspect of it.
Grade 9 Representative, Emmanuel Nera
1. Describe yourself in three words.
Expert meme master.
- Do you have a secret talent or interesting skill?
I can cook pasta pretty well.
- Why are you excited about being elected?
I can now spread memes to the school.
- What is your favourite thing about STA?
Honestly, I haven’t seen enough of the school to decide since I’ve been to two rooms and haven’t been around much, so the library will have to do.
Grade 9 Representative, Tia Naim
1. Describe yourself in three words.
I’m outgoing, creative and chill.
2.Do you have a secret talent or interesting skill?
I like to write music.
3. Why are you excited about being elected?
I am excited because this is such a great opportunity for me to help make a better year out of a not so great one, due to the circumstances.
4. What is your favourite thing about STA?
My favourite thing about STA is how great the campus is [because] we have so much cool stuff!
We wish the best of luck to the council in their work this year and can’t wait to see all the fun activities they have planned for STA!
Thank you to Jack Kukolic for helping take the images.