Before casting their votes for next year’s student council president, students listened to both candidates answer questions during an all-school assembly Monday morning. Juniors Augie Stern and Jon Durgan took to the podium while moderator Noah Craig and current student council president William Tyner ran the show.
In his introductory remarks, Stern thanked his opponent for running and said he would “work in tandem with the district to make great things happen.” One of his priorities as president would be to try to change the schedule to allow for an extra ten minutes at lunch, which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. He also mentioned fixing the locks on the bathroom doors, bringing back the ability to eat in the pods, and he wants to vote in the fall on making Homecoming a formal dance to replace Winter Formal. “If I am elected, I will make Park High a better place, to the greatest of my abilities,” he promised.
When Durgan took the podium after remarks from his running-mate Stacy Sundling, he said, “As most of you know, being serious isn’t my strength, but I plan to make Park High as fun as possible.” Some of his campaign goals to this end include designated senior parking spots that could be painted for a fee, making dances more fun, and hosting a drive-in movie theater night in the school parking lot.
Although Durgan promised free cookies for everyone if he wins, he emphasized that the race won’t come between his friendship with Stern, whom he has known since the first grade. He recalled their first play date when they hit each other with couch cushions and light sabers.
Each candidate answered a series of about ten questions, including why students should vote for them, how they would welcome new students, and what their favorite thing was about Park High. Durgan said he loves sports because they’re fun to play, and Stern said he likes that we go to a small school that allows for a more personal relationship with teachers and administrators.
Stern said his qualifications for the position include his public speaking ability and his involvement in various clubs and activities. Durgan mentioned the fact that his mom, Patti Durgan, is a principal and can help advise him in how to work with administration. He also said he’s a good listener, (“except in Neibauer’s class”) and will do whatever it takes to get things done.
What would your first act as president be? Stern said he would reach out to the district office, administration, and school board to see what can be done to change the schedule and dances. Durgan mentioned getting right to work on senior parking spots and bringing back a la carte at lunch.
Voting for student council president will be during both lunches, in front of the cafeteria, on April 8.
