Each year at Kinkaid a new Governing Council president is elected in February to serve as president in the next school year.
Juniors Lucy Dannembaum, William Adeniyi, and Miller Crosswell were this year’s candidates. Each candidate shared a similar desire to improve the school with their unique ideas.
“A leader is someone who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way,” Crosswell said.
Crosswell said he has helped with improvements such as implementing testing calendars and fixing water fountains.
“I have logged close to 100 hours of GovCo meetings the last few years and I’m an experienced problem solver, taking an active role in many decisions,” Crosswell said.
Beyond GovCo, he has served as a leader on the offensive line by playing center. As the oldest of three, he believes he has gained “absolutely paramount” leadership skills.
If elected, Crosswell said he hopes to work with teachers on giving less homework and more independent studies, fixing the cell service in the school and reducing the number of tests before finals among other concerns.
Dannenbaum said leadership is about “leading by example and putting others first.”
She believes a student leader should prioritize listening to others and ensuring every voice is heard.
She said she has gained valuable leadership experience as GovCo secretary and by being a member of the Community Service Leadership Council. Additionally, she has spent five weeks each summer at camp, which has taught her independence and the importance of kindness in fostering a supportive community.
“These experiences have taught me about kindness and fostering peace with others,” Dannenbaum said.
Her goals as president include increasing school spirit with more pep rallies in both the spring and fall, providing students with a greater voice in decision making, and strengthening communication between students and GovCo.
“I want to take everything we discuss in Governing Council meetings and bring it to the grade levels so that every student’s opinion is heard,” she explained.
Adeniyi said he believes a great leader should be caring, intentional, and earn their position through hard work.
“A leader is someone who has the opportunity to make self-serving decisions but instead chooses to benefit others,” he said.
His leadership experience includes serving as a chair for Culture Fest, where he has worked closely with students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, he has served as a peer mentor for middle school students and as a manager for the cheer team.
“All of these experiences have helped me become a better leader and a better person,” Adeniyi said.
If elected, his vision for Kinkaid includes making sure everyone’s needs are met and displaying the importance of everyone’s opinions.
No matter who wins this election, Upper School students will be in safe hands and will be getting a president who is qualified and capable of doing the job well.
