Attentive students filled the Chapel, listening intently to the speaker’s podium. On September 22, freshmen running for positions on Community Council delivered their speeches in front of the entire 9th Grade. Among those who ran, Taylor Robin, Alex Evangelidis, Sofia Graziano, and Ben Marra were the ones elected. Each had slightly varying goals in mind for the 2016-2017 school year.

Freshman class president Taylor Robin wants to put her energy into making sure her classmates will enjoy events that Council hosts. Taylor’s long-term aim is to create a more cohesive environment by planning activities and events which appeal to the entire school community. “When this year is over, I hope to foster a stronger community within our class,” said Taylor. “I hope to make freshman year the best year for the freshman class.”

Alex Evangelidis’, a class representative, primary goal for the school year is to raise awareness about the conditions of the freshman hallway.  She has a secondary goal of helping to organize school-wide events. Alex wants to initiate various changes to improve overall conditions, such as repainting the walls or installing benches with cushions. She plans to write specific proposals and present them to a few students in the freshman class for approval.

Sofia Graziano, another class representative, is aiming to provide more Hive gear for the student community to wear at games. In addition, she plans to arrange exciting events that will not only bring each grade together, but engage the student community for suggestions and feedback, whether they be from social media or on Hackley campus itself.

For Ben Marra, freshman class agent, his first priority is to understand how Hackley’s student government operates to maximum benefit. Although Ben had experience serving on the Middle School’s Community Council, he was surprised by the differences in the Upper School.“One long-term goal of mine is to make sure that my class knows that their input is really valued, and that the four of us will do our best to make sure their suggestions are brought to Council,” said Ben. “I want them to realize that it truly is a Community Council, and the four of us are just a representation of the larger community of the freshmen class.”