Class council elections for the 2020-2021 school year took place virtually on Sept. 26. Ten students per grade were on the final ballot, each hoping to fill one of the five council positions for their respective grades. 

Instead of the usual promotions, such as hanging posters, passing out baked goods and giving speeches, candidates created virtual posters, Instagram posts and short campaign videos explaining why they deserved students’ votes. The classes viewed the videos on Google Meets and voted via Google Forms. 

For the freshmen, Justin Longo of Middletown will serve as President, Julia Grau of Millstone will serve as Vice President, and Sabrina Liding of Manalapan, Brandon Kopp of Marlboro and Lydia Oliveri of Colts Neck will be council members.

The winners from the sophomore class include President Lucy Battista of Tinton Falls, Vice President Charlie Raynor of Ocean, and council members Marina Berger of Marlboro, Keegan Foy of Spring Lake and Scarlett Hoagland of Fair Haven. 

For the juniors, Liam Stemetzki of Wall was elected President, Ella Lukowiak of Wall and Hannah Schwartzberg of Ocean are Co-Vice Presidents, and Kacie Farrell of Lincroft and Fiona Macchia of Holmdel are council members.

Representing the senior class are President Bea Karron of Manasquan, Vice President Mahita Dasu of Marlboro, and council members Francesca McCaffrey of West Long Branch, Nate Riehl of Wall and Ava Turner of Middletown. 

Battista, the re-elected sophomore president, is disappointed that virtual elections did not include more of a personal relationship with the class, but is thankful that some form of elections were still able to take place. There are uncertainties about this year’s events, but Battista is staying positive. 

“We don’t know if Winter Ball will be able to happen… but I’m excited for the fundraisers we have planned,” she said.

Other class councils are facing the same unknowns. However, senior class advisor Ginny Clevenger believes the senior council is set up for success.

“The seniors have two ‘veterans’ returning and three ‘rookies’ who are all motivated to do great things with their class despite the odds,” Clevenger said. “The annual Back to School Dance is a senior event that unfortunately couldn’t happen, but the Council will focus on new ideas to compliment the standards. The Compatibility Game, Senior Switch Day, Prom, Senior Dinner and Senior Picnic are being planned already!”