As always, this year’s student body elections here at Sentinel were filled with accomplished and dedicated candidates. All candidates presented detailed and promising plans for this unusual school year, which is especially difficult and applaudable! The Sentinel Sun is pleased to have had the chance to meet and chat with the newly-elected co-presidents for this school year: Carmen Golnaraghi and Kyler Cyna. Please enjoy their responses and learn more about their plans for the school year!
Why did you decide to run for this position?
Carmen: “I wanted a role where I could make the ideas of students come to life and make their voices heard. My goal is to promote interaction and togetherness through fun and inclusive events for all students.”
Kyler: “My goal in life has always been to change other people's lives (hopefully for the better) in any way possible. That’s what I think the meaning of life is—to help people. I thought by being a student council co-president, I could do that. I know high school can sometimes be difficult and not everyone feels like they fit in, but I want everyone to have an opportunity to make the most out of their high school experience.”
Can you please highlight some of your main goals and promises for the school year? What are your big ideas for events/activities and more?
Carmen: “I'm going to ensure that we find safe ways to plan many fun events and bring the school community together while respecting our new safety guidelines. This includes many theme days, sports challenges with prizes, outdoor concerts, karaoke nights/just dance parties, and more for students and their bubble! I also plan to hold a wide range of events for grade 8’s and new students in order to welcome them to our school.”
Kyler: “I’ll go over my main promises briefly: many theme days, some theme weeks, and a Sentinel Minecraft and Discord Server so we can safely communicate during COVID. I also want to create a joke of the day committee, have a talent show (might be online), prom (might be online), and publish the announcements and what happens in the student council meetings. Additionally, I think it would be beneficial to have a google forum where anyone can anonymously leave suggestions.”
What was the most difficult part of the application process?
Carmen: “Incorporating GUARDS in my plans for the year as student council president took some brainstorming as I wanted to create events that fully reflected each of these significant principles.”
Kyler: “For the most part, the application process wasn’t that difficult. We needed two teachers to approve us, and then we needed to say how we would incorporate “GUARDS” in our campaign. The hardest part was really the campaign and trying to avoid being “cringy.’”
What is your favourite thing about Sentinel? What makes you proud to be a Spartan?
Carmen: “So many things make me proud to be a Spartan. I have made countless friendships at Sentinel through my classes, clubs, and the RnB band, which have really helped me feel a sense of belonging at Sentinel. The support of my teachers has helped to motivate me academically and never give up when things get challenging. I feel so lucky to be a Spartan and I’m super excited to connect with students of all grades this year to bring up the Spartan spirit!”
Kyler: “The food is okay, I guess? In all seriousness, I have enjoyed my time at Sentinel. The teachers are generally responsive and want the students to succeed. Some of the clubs are pretty neat, and I’ve had some incredible opportunities to meet interesting people here. Sentinel really just has a chill vibe, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
What would be some advice that you would give to younger Sentinel students?
Carmen: “My advice for younger Sentinel students would be to be open to trying new things and connecting with others. For example, try joining new clubs, sports teams, the Sentinel theatre production, student council, and more! Make the best version of yourself.”
Kyler: “I think my biggest regret from past years was not talking to other students enough. People are actually really interesting if you listen to them. Everyone has a different story; it is amazing. Although if you want school advice: sleep more, simplify your notes before a test, and ask for help when you need it.”
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
Carmen: “I have a pet bird (mini parrot).”
Kyler: “I’m colour blind.”
Any last words/remarks?
Carmen: “Thank you so much for voting for me! I am so excited to take on this role and make connections with Sentinel students from all grades!”
Kyler: “I’m honestly surprised that I won, but I’m going to take this role seriously and do everything in my power to fulfill my promises.”
(End of Interview)
Wow! Thank you for sharing your plans, Carmen and Kyler. Sentinel cannot wait to see what you both accomplish this year!
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