The Election

1
The Election

• By Kate Connor

2
Yes, Kate, we all have faith in you. We know you
would make a great Student Council President!
Dont worry Kate you will do great. You have a
lot of good ideas and have written a great
speech.
3
I had to sit in class, feigning to listen to my
teachers giving lessons on math, science,
English, and social studies.
My family gave me the confidence I needed, but
still all day, I had butterflies in my stomach.
4
At lunch I could barely eat, but forced myself to
have my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, purple
grapes, potato chips, and apple juice. I was
glad I ate it because it tasted so good.
I looked at the clock in the cafeteria. It was
1130, just two more hours until election time.
It seemed so soon, yet would I make it?
It also helped my butterflies disappear for the
time being. Down the long, brown lunch-table
with attached benches on either side, sat the
seventh grade class. Everyone was talking about
the elections that were coming up.
Yes!
Are you nervous?
Dont worry. You will do fine!
5
I headed to Mr. Sneigowski, my homeroom teachers
classroom. He was a middle-aged man with red,
balding hair.
I trudged through fifth period. Five minutes
until the end of class. Now, there was only two
minutes. DING. DING. DING.
6
Ok class, as you know, we will be having the
Student Council Elections today. Please pay
attention to the candidates so you will be able
to accurately vote.
Good luck to those of you giving speeches. Lets
head into the gym.
7
I had to wait until every other student gave
their speeches for other positions since the
presidential candidates spoke last. Other
positions included sports chair, secretary,
treasurer, and vice president.
8
Finally it was my turn. I crept up to the
microphone, bent it downward so it reached my
face and grasped onto my typed speech. I was
shaking and saw my hands making the white sheet
shake as well.
At the end of my speech most of the students were
clapping and seemed excited about what I had to
say. I was relieved and had confidence in myself
as I listened to the rest of the candidates
finish their speeches.
But, once I started speaking, my voice became
solid and determined. I outlined all my plans if
I was elected and my suggestions for fundraisers
and games. I just read my speech from the page
and when I was finished I said,
Thank you very much.
9
When everyone was finished, the teachers
instructed their students to return to their
homerooms and vote for the candidates. I sat
down at my desk, filled out my ballot, and turned
it in. Then more waiting, but I didnt care. At
least my speech was over!
10
And here are the student council members of the
1997-1998 school year.
Finally! Its 225 and time for the
announcements.
And lastly, the president for next year is, Kate
Connor!
11
I had won! I had won. My classmates sitting
next to me gave me high-fives, and
congratulations were coming at me from all
directions. I couldnt believe it! I had won the
election!
It was a great day. Getting to be president was
a journey, but I knew that the upcoming year
would be the hard work. Giving that speech,
though, and having confidence in myself was the
lesson I learned that day.
12
The End