The Votes Are In!

Senators Obama and McCain could have learned a few things at The Winch this week as we worked our way through our own campaigns and chose our new student body President, Vice President and student council. On Wednesday night the Winchendon students and faculty gathered in the Dining Hall to listen to the candidates. Whereas on Tuesday nights our national candidates spent most of their time taking shots at each other, a dozen students running for different offices spoke of their passion for Winchendon and laid out their platforms. There was not a negative word said.

The speeches were articulate and compelling. As we went to the polls on Thursday morning I was excited as there were at least six candidates any one of who would have been an excellent pick for Student Body President. There was a buzz all morning Thursday as the Harrington boys got the voting organized and the students cast their ballots.

Mr. Taplin announced the results on Friday morning, and there was loud applause and cheering as it was announced that Hao Wen had been elected President and Luis de Carvalho Leao was chosen as Vice President. Hao spontaneously stepped forward to give a thoughtful acceptance speech.

I am excited to start working with Hao and “his cabinet”, and he and I will get down to business over lunch on Monday. Thanks to Mr. Taplin, the candidates and the whole community for a great election.

The picture below includes most of the Council with Hao and Luis both in black shirts.