The new 2025-26 Governing Council president and vice president Lucy Dannenbaum and Harris Kirmani, respectively, said they are up to the challenge of leading the Upper School community. Their shared vision promises a mix of innovation, meaningful change, and student-focused initiatives.
“Harris and I are so excited to have the privilege to be next year’s Governing Council president and vice president. We will work to make next year the best year yet,” Dannenbaum said.
With a strong passion for student leadership, both said they are eager to build on past successes while introducing fresh ideas. They aim to enhance student life by improving communication between the student body and the administration, advocating for student needs and fostering a more connected school environment.
Kirimani aspired to reach this leadership role after experience in GovCo over the past three years, which has shaped his leadership skills and deepened his understanding of the student body’s needs.
“I’m really excited about working with Lucy and being vice president as I’ve been in GovCo the past three years. I’ve watched the past presidents and vice presidents in action, and I aspired to be in that role and represent the student body in the high school,” Kirmani said.
His time in student government has given him the experience to take on his new responsibility, and he said he hopes to use his platform to implement positive changes that will benefit students.
“I really wanted this position because GovCo has helped me understand the student body better and become a better leader and person,” Kirmani said.
Kirmani has specific goals in mind that balance academics, student well-being, and school improvements. One of his main goals is ensuring students have time to relax and recharge.
“I hope to achieve a lot of things with Lucy next year, and my first topic would probably be having protected no-homework weekends and adding some stuff to our new senior center like an Xbox,” he stated.
The idea of protected no-homework weekends aims to give students a break from academic stress, promoting mental well-being and a healthier school-life balance.
Kirmani and Dannenbaum are focused on improving the student experience while ensuring their peers’ voices are heard.
