6 minute read
Leading the Charge
SENIORS ELECTED TO LEADERSHIP POSITIONS FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR SHARE THEIR GOALS
HANNAH GRACE KORNBERG HONOR COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Q. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO RUN FOR HONOR COUNCIL PRESIDENT?
I wanted to run for President because I wanted to make the council the best it can be, and I want the honor code and council to remain an integral part of our community. The honor code strengthens relationships between teachers and students, as well as throughout the GPS community. When I joined GPS, I always thought it was awesome that we didn't have locks on our lockers, how we signed the pledge on our assignments, and how there was never really a question about trust between us. The integrity that we develop at GPS will follow us beyond our time here, and that’s really special.
Q. WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE HONOR COUNCIL NEXT YEAR?
I want to ensure that every grade representative is wellequipped to be a good resource about the honor code and that the Honor Council will continue to be absolutely impartial and confidential in all violation reports heard. I want the Honor Council to be a growth-oriented, safe space. I would also like to ensure that the Honor Council is as transparent as possible about the honor code and Honor Council procedures. I would love to continue making improvements to the council to make it more empathetic and conversational—a restorative space that builds relationships rather than breaking them down.
Q. WHAT'S YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?
I think that I have a quiet leadership style, leading by showing others rather than by telling.
Q. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT GPS?
My favorite thing about GPS is the supportive environment here. I love the friendly spirit. It really is a sisterhood in every way imaginable. Not only can I count on my peers, but there is also an incredible faculty ready to support us.
CAROLINE CLARK STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Q. WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE STUDENT COUNCIL NEXT YEAR?
Next year, I want to connect the whole school together by connecting the Middle School more to the Upper School, as well as connecting students more with teachers. Having a community where girls feel like they belong is so important, and this is a huge part of the GPS experience. I also want to get more student input for events that we plan before they happen so we know exactly what the students want, rather than just getting feedback after the fact.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE STUDENT COUNCIL?
I love StuCo because it plays a big role in making the GPS experience a more positive one. For one, we get to plan fun events like the silent disco, decades dance, and StuCo semi-formal; secondly, we get to suggest changes with hopes of making the school a better place.
Q. WHAT'S YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?
My leadership style is definitely a high-energy, go-getter style. I am determined and like to get things done, and I am not afraid to speak up for myself or others and their ideas. I am dedicated to my duties on the council and put this job before any other responsibilities. I am so excited to be able to get to know our student body better and listen to their input, ideas, and feedback next year. I want to lead by serving the student body, and by doing my best to accomplish not only what they want, but what matters most. I also love to have fun; I am a huge fan of dance parties, candy, cartwheels, and sing-a-longs.
Q. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT GPS?
The opportunities we have at GPS are definitely my favorite thing about it. Whether it be the the willingness of teachers to sit down and talk with you about a difficult subject, or the incredible trips we are able to take on Winterim, the support we have from administrators, the food every day, the many options for classes to take, whether they be fun or challenging, and the many clubs that are offered—I am so grateful for GPS! I am certain that GPS has helped shape me into the person I am today.
HAYDEN WISE
PARTNERSHIPS IN THE COMMUNITY PRESIDENT CLASS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL CHAIRWOMAN
Q. WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR PIC NEXT YEAR?
My main goal for next year is to offer as many volunteer opportunities for students as possible. I want to have more options during study halls, after school, and on the weekends. One of my biggest goals is to start a program where GPS students could tutor, or just hang out with, local elementary school kids after school.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT PIC?
I love that we are able to help so many people. Not only are we helping people in our community through community service, but we’re also helping students gain amazing experiences through volunteer work.
Q. WHAT'S YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?
My leadership style is focused on transparency and intentionality. I want to set very clear goals and will work hard to outline the steps that it will take to attain those goals. I also hope to be a very approachable leader who welcomes all ideas, small or big, and helps others reach their fullest potential.
Q. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT GPS?
The community and opportunities. GPS has provided me with the most amazing friends, teammates, teachers, and mentors I could’ve ever asked for. The GPS community has an amazing environment that is accepting, loving, and supportive. GPS also provides girls with more opportunities than I can count; we are encouraged to take interesting courses, join all different types of clubs, participate in fun after-school activities, and so much more.
Q. WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR CLC NEXT YEAR?
I want to make senior year a celebration of the lives we have constructed for ourselves here at GPS. Over the past two years or so, my grade has been able to tear down many of the walls and barriers that had been separating us on the basis of friend groups and conflicting opinions or interests, but I think that we still have a ways to go. Next year, I want to place as much emphasis as possible on forming a long-lasting bond as a grade, rather than just forming bonds with those who we are close with. I want to have a lot of activities that will force my peers out of their comfort zones and give them the ability to talk to someone in our grade who they may not have ever had the chance to have a real conversation with. I want to truly highlight the GPS sisterhood within the Class of 2023 as our physical time together comes to a close.
Q. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO GIVE GPS STUDENTS A VOICE?
No matter how a person views themselves, the single most important possession that a human being holds is their voice and, at GPS, it is truly the faculty and staff who have taught us to use our voices without fear of how we may be perceived by others. It is important that GPS students are thoughtful in their pursuit of speaking up about things that they care about, and what makes GPS so special is that it provides a space where students feel that their mentors, fellow students, and teachers want to hear what they have to say.
Q. WHAT’S YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?
Over my time on CLC, I’ve learned that leadership looks different for everyone and that what you lack in knowledge and in experience, you can make up for with determination and perseverance. The most important shift I’ve made in my leadership skills is that I no longer attempt to mask the stressors of life to seem like the perfect leader. I now understand that to build trust and create connections, I have to be willing to be vulnerable.
