“Hi! I am running for president. Would you please vote for me? Here is a brownie so you can make the right choice.”

 “No! Vote for me. I am giving you candy.”  

This is an example of what happens during campaign week for SGA/Class elections at MHS. Every year, Miami High elects new student leaders into office.

Why did they run?

Every candidate had a reason to become a student leader. Daymee Sanchez, candidate for SGA Corresponding Secretary, said, “My past experience as secretary of G.S.A. and my love for being a leader is why I chose to run.”

Alvaro Espinoza-Hueck, candidate for SGA President, said that he wanted to run because he had an idea of running before coming to MHS, and he would like to follow his brother’s footsteps, Class of 2008 alumnus Erick Hueck who was SGA President.

“I have wanted to run since my freshman year when my English teacher Ms. Berrios announced that elections were near and mentioned if anyone wanted to run, but at the time I did not feel prepared,” said Helen Acevedo, candidate for Class of 2018 Secretary. “By helping out over the summer, during homecoming, and promoting events via social media, I have felt better about running.”

Class of 2018 Secretary and candidate for SGA 1st Vice President Nataly Cancio said that she wanted to continue being a leader at MHS.

“I knew I wanted to make a difference my senior year: that is why I ran,” said Giovanni Castillo, candidate for Class of 2018 Treasurer.

Elections Process

Students are informed about running for office in early February so they can attend an informational meeting about the elections process which, this school year, was held on February 13th. Those who attended were given applications that were due on February 22nd and then reviewed by Student Government advisor Ms. Puentes and Activities Director Ms. Rivero.

Requirements to run for office were: maintaining a 2.5 GPA, having no more than 10 absences and 20 tardies, being a well-behaved student, and gathering six (6) signatures of teachers approving the student to run for office. By February 27th, some applicants received an approval letter from Ms. Puentes notifying them to start working on their campaign as they had met all the criteria.

The campaign work began on Sunday, March 5th, when candidates came to Miami High, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to put up banners and flyers that showcased the candidates, just like in the real world. Campaign week officially started Monday, March 6th, and went through Monday, March 13th. That week allowed candidates to give goodies, speak to classes with teacher’s permission, and to get the word out about their campaigns.

Miami High updated the elections process this year by purchasing an online voting system to save more paper and to make the process smoother compared to other years when voting was on paper and through the English classrooms. From March 14th to March 17th, the voting polls were open for students to vote in the computer lab in room 3119. Candidates were not able to be near the polling place at all during the voting week. However, candidates were allowed to have four (4) of their campaign workers to pass out mini-flyers to people going to vote.

Motivation

Motivation to run varied among candidates. “What motivated me was my willingness to be more active in school activities,” said Valentin Silva, candidate for SGA 2nd Vice President. For Natalie Mandado, also a candidate for SGA 2nd Vice President, there was that special someone, Genesy Leiva, her Majorettes Captain who pushed her as she knew that Natalie had the leadership skills the position requires.

“What motivated me was my passion for leadership, my love for being involved, and most importantly, setting an example,” said Amanda Echevarria, candidate for the re-election of Class of 2019 President.

Goals in Office

All candidates had goals that they plan to accomplish. For Azhar Moihdeen, candidate for SGA 1st Vice President, it is to suggest ideas that are appealing to the student population.

“I will make sure to keep everyone informed and prepared for anything that comes as far as events and deadlines,” said Helen Acevedo, Class of 2018 Secretary.

Amanda Echevarria says that she plans to fundraise as much money as possible to deduct costs for the junior class as well as prepare a successful Homecoming.

SGA & Class Officer Election Results