A new crop of leaders has been selected by their peers to guide their classes for the 2016-2017 school year.

Elections for next year’s Thomas County Central High School Student Council class officers were held during first period on May 13. Elections were held for rising seniors, juniors, and sophomores.

“Student council is important because it trains students in leadership,” advisor Teresa Carver said. “Student council members assist with a number of activities throughout the school year and whatever the school administration needs. Student council is an opportunity for student voices to be heard and for student participation in addition to developing leadership skills.”

Students completed an application and petition to run for office and their qualifications were verified before their name was placed on the ballot, Carver explained.

Elected senior class officers are: Vince Wynn, president; Jordan Bush, vice-president; Christina Maggitas, secretary; Luvy Miranda, treasurer; Dakota Beever, inspirational leader; and, Hannah Dixon, parliamentarian. Class senators are: Cole Hebron, Palmer NeSmith, Tyler Williamson, Anna Jense, Taylor Searcy, Logan Herring, Haiden Hall, Maggie Martin, Ashlyn Quattlebaum and Bayli Williams.

Luvy Miranda, who is honored to be elected, decided to run for treasurer because she wants to represent the student body’s financial interests.

“I would like for their requests to be heard regarding money that is spent,” she said. “I chose to run as treasurer because my desire is to make better use of how and where money is spent.”

She plans to improve fundraising efforts to decrease costs and “would like to see more students involved in school functions without money being an issue.”

Elected junior class officers are: Huntley Rodgers, president; Sterlyn Aust?in, vice-president; Georgia Smith, secretary; Riley Jones, treasurer; J’Harre Bush, inspirational leader; and, Natalie Wyatt, parliamentarian. Class senators are: Parker Dixon, Brentley Odom, Kate Weaver, Kennedy Ward and Ariana Warren.

Kennedy Ward, who ran for inspirational leader, looks forward to serving as a class senator.

“Even though I was not voted into office, I can still take the opportunity to uplift any of my peers whenever I get the chance,” she said. “No title is needed for anyone to show kindness.”

As a senator, Ward said, she “will take any opportunity I get to represent my peers and their wants and needs.”

Elected sophomore class officers are: Caleb Moore, president; Emily Owens, vice-president; Dev Patel, secretary; Reagan Huddleston, treasurer; Abigail Jense, inspirational leader; and, Jeremy Simmons, parliamentarian. Class senators are Ashton Barwick, Zachary Sharpe and Samantha Castillo.

Caleb Moore ran for president of his class because he wanted “to help better my school.”

“Mostly, I feel honored to be voted into office,” he said. “It’s amazing just to know that my classmates trust me enough to vote for me.”

He plans to listen to his fellow officers and the student body to glean ideas and receive advice “on how to improve our school as far as student life is concerned.”

“As president, I am humble enough to take advice on how to lead and improve,” Moore said. “If there is anything I need to improve on, I would hope that my fellow class officers and classmates would inform me of it!”

Caver explains a president serves as leader and speaks at programs; a vice-president assists the president; a secretary and a treasurer keep records; an inspirational leader motivates peers through messages; and, a parliamentarian keeps order in meetings.

But, all class officers and senators have opportunities to participate in council activities. Activities student council is involved in include homecoming, open house, Shop with a Yellow Jacket, prom, eighth grade tours, teacher appreciation, and graduation.

Carver looks forward to working with the new class officers and senators.

“Everyone who participates in the election has a place on student council and everyone has an equal voice in club meetings,” she said.

Elections for the rising freshman class’ officers will be held this fall.