Student council elections have concluded, and the 2027 student council president is Mary Kate Short. The elections started on Wednesday, April 8, and ended Friday, April 10, at 1:00 p.m. Kadeesh Bridgman and Mary Kate Short were both candidates for student council president. Both Short and Bridgman hoped to show leadership, school involvement, and provide a stronger voice for all students at Anderson High School.
Both Short and Bridgman are popular among the Class of ’27. When asked if the election is just a popularity contest, Short replied, “Both yes and no. But I do think that when running, I think both me and Kadeesh should have done this like, you try and connect with the people who might not be heard as often or be the typical group of voters, like student council people.” The typical people who vote are those in student council, so Short wants to broaden that group and reach out to people who don’t typically vote.
During her campaign, Short used various methods to get people’s votes. She posted on social media and shared a video explaining the qualities that could make her president and the changes she would try to bring to the school. The method that stood out most for students was the huge “Vote for MK” in the hallways, big enough to capture anyone’s attention as they passed by. She also tried to reach out to different groups of people at lunch, encouraging them to vote for her.
Short decided to take on the role of student council president because she had experience in student council and wanted to make changes at AHS. “I’ve been a part of student council for three years, and I think I am a strong leader,” Short said. “I love helping plan events and organize new things,” she said. The role of the president comes with many responsibilities, such as leading student council meetings and working with school administration so students at AHS have a voice in major decisions.
Along with helping other students have their voices heard, the role of student council president includes other responsibilities, such as reading announcements every morning and leading the student section at sports events. “If you want attention to be brought to a concern at the school and for higher-ups to know, then that’s what the president can do. They’d probably be more heard because they’re the representative of your school.”
In the future, Short plans to make a few changes in the council. “I think my main goal is to have more events throughout the year and have more student involvement,” Short said. “One of my main goals is to have a new dance.” She believes that in the spring there are only a few events for juniors and seniors and hopes to create something where underclassmen can be involved. Short and others will take office at the beginning of next school year. All members plan to bring leadership, ensure students have their voices heard, and make high school a better overall experience for students.
