After a month at CHS, the Class of 2022 held their freshman class council elections on Oct. 5. This year, 10 candidates gave speeches to their fellow peers, followed by a  class vote to determine the new council.

Students elected Jacob Irwin of Middletown as president, with Luke LaTorre of Middletown and Samantha Skolnick of Hazlet as co-vice presidents. Isabella Ji of Holmdel and Ella Lukowiak of Wall Township will serve as council members.

Freshman class adviser and Spanish teacher Karen Britto said that the election process was standard for CHS. But, the results were unexpected.

“There was a tie for Vice President and I did have to refer to the CHS SGA constitution,” Britto said.

Irwin said he is confident in his abilities as president and that he was excited to run for office.

“I really like helping people, coming up with creative solutions, talking in front of people and getting involved with school,” Irwin said. “So it seemed like it would be a perfect thing to do.”

Irwin said that running for president was a lot more daunting than it seemed. He said his campaign was stressful, especially having to deliver a speech in front of more than 80 people.

Irwin promised his classmates a coffee machine and “naptime” in his speech.

Newly elected treasurer Ella Lukowiak said her goal for the year was to represent the ideas and opinions of her grade.

“I wanted to be involved and help our class succeed during our freshman year,” Lukowiak said.

Sophomore and former freshman class president Brigid McCarthy of Manasquan advised the new council to make the most of their positions.

“It’s all about the experience and bonding with your classmates,” McCarthy said.

Freshman Madeline Cheevers of Little Silver said that the council will positively impact the class.

“I think that each council member will do a great job improving the school,” Cheevers said. “I expect them to be a strong voice for the freshman class and bring some new ideas to the table.”

Britto also expressed her optimism for the new council.

“I am excited to work with the newly elected council,” Britto said.

Irwin said his goals for the freshman class in the upcoming year aligned with the promises in his speech.

“I want to try to get one of my speech promises completed: mostly the coffee, tea, and hot chocolate one,” Irwin said. During his campaign, Irwin assured students that he would work to get a coffee machine available to students in the cafeteria. He also wants “to have the best spirit week ever!”