After the interest meeting for the Known Class Cabinet on Sept. 10, where freshmen interested in positions learned more regarding them, candidates for the Freshman Class Cabinet will have the chance to present their platforms through speeches they can deliver to their peers. People running for the positions of president, vice president (VP), activities director and Student Intercultural Program (SIP) representative will be required to deliver speeches.
Kaitrin Bolling, president of the Restored Class, told the Collegian about her feelings regarding the speeches. “I think freshmen should go hear the speeches so that they can make an informed decision of who is going to represent their class,” she stated. “The students that are running for cabinet have put a lot of effort into their speeches, so it would be awesome for them to feel supported by their class. It’s a good way to get involved in the class and look forward to the year going forward.”
Santiago Burgos, two-year president of the Renewed Class, reiterated this sentiment. “The class speeches allow us to see the humanity behind the candidates,” Burgos said. “While résumés highlight qualifications, speeches reveal the true soul of a candidate. It reveals their ability to express themselves, their mannerisms and their overall conduct.”
Burgos also discussed the importance of the Freshman Class Cabinet as the Known Class begins their career at Asbury. “The class cabinet will define the entire school year for their peers.” Burgos continued, “These leaders will have significant influence over class activities and direction, it is vital that the selection process be highly selective. Their choices and leadership will shape the experience of the entire class.”
The speeches will be held on Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. on the map side of the Student Center. The event will be catered. Following the conclusion of the speeches, voting will open for students who wish to participate in the election.
Ashton Montgomery, the vice president of the Student Governance Association (SGA) and one of the overseers of this event, said, “These speeches will give students the opportunity to really get to know their classmates and the candidates who are running.” She continued, “Obviously, it’s really difficult for someone to know every member of their entire class. So these speeches will be a great opportunity to hear from each of the candidates in one place and see who they think would represent the class’s needs best.”
Montgomery and the Elections Committee oversee the event. In her position as VP of SGA, she hopes to see a community-building opportunity through these speeches.
“I hope that students are able to feel a sense of pride in their class identity and for students to be excited about their time at Asbury,” said Montgomery. “I hope they feel empowered to put on events and do things that make members of their class excited.”
Montgomery also shared some of what the freshman class can do in association with her and Asbury’s Executive Cabinet. “The VP of the Class Cabinet will serve on SGA, and some of the other members of the cabinet will serve on Asbury Student Congress (ASC). Through this, they’re able to represent the needs of their class effectively.” She followed by stating, “no one knows the Known Class better than the Known Class, and so they’re able to represent their various positions within student congress through their Class Cabinet. “Being on a class cabinet is just a wonderful way to get to know people, and have the chance to be the Known Class’s biggest advocate.”
The winners of the positions will be notified on Sept. 26. The election results will be announced to the student body two days later, on Sept. 28. The winners will take office directly after the winners are announced. Upon their swearing in, they will begin appointing the positions of class treasurer, publicist, and class chaplain. They will also begin organizing events for the Known Class such as Freshman Formal.
Photo courtesy of Alanna May.
