Chen, Seligman, Lei to Lead ’15
Rising seniors Stephanie Chen, Jad Seligman and Paul Lei will serve as senior class president, vice president and treasurer respectively, succeeding seniors Nate Moulton, Nikhil Chuchra and Nina Meyers.
Chen was ecstatic to learn she had been selected as president and is ready to take on the challenge. “I am honored to have been chosen to be class president, because I know that any of the three other candidates would do the job justice as well, and I am looking forward to getting the ball rolling,” she said. “There is a lot of work to be done next year with events, the senior gift, E/A and alumni affairs.”
Chen continued to explain why she is so honored to represent her class, which has been a valuable asset to her ever since she first arrived at Exeter.
“When I entered Phillips Exeter as a new lower, I was nervous to meet everyone and the common insecurity of ‘Will I make any new friends?’ arose,” she said. “Fortunately, the class of 2015 welcomed me with open arms and I could not have asked for a better group of people.”
Seligman agreed with Chen that the Class of 2015 is a cohesive group of unique individuals. His main goal for this year will be to bring all the seniors together to form lasting memories before graduation. “I want to try to establish a long term community in the Class of 2015,” he said. “Any possible way I can do that will be ideal. Events that foster building friendships across the grade will help because there are a lot of isolated groups in our grade. I believe very strongly that most of the people in this grade could be friends if they got to know each other.”
Like Seligman, Lei will focus on increasing interaction within the senior class, while giving his class opportunities to relax with events scheduled throughout the year. “It will be more important than ever to have chances to de-stress. In order to do that, I will organize a beach trip and EP date auction,” Lei said. “Also, it is important to begin the transition from students to alumni.”
With a numerous amount of ideas for the upcoming year, the three class representatives will be sure to confirm them with their class before putting any into action. Chen explained one method they are planning to implement, which will keep their class updated on all upcoming events and changes.
“This year, the upper reps discussed making a newsletter, so that the class knew what we were up to in Student Council,” she said. “I think this would be a great way to let the students know what we are discussing and debating.”
After the ideas are agreed upon by the class, the strong bonds between the representatives will ease the process of putting these ideas into action.
“Paul and I have worked together this past year and I know that he is both hard-working and that he always wants the absolute best for the class,” Chen said. “I have yet to work with Jad; however, I know that he will be a great addition to the team,” she added. “Everyone says that he is such a conscientious and charismatic person and I know he will bring great ideas to the table.”
Seligman believed that he would have a smooth transition into working with the other two representatives.“I have no worries about working with Stephanie and Paul,” he said. “They’re great people. They’re both hardworking, dedicated, focused and really kind.”
The rising seniors believe that their three representatives will successfully accomplish their roles. “I think Stephanie will be a great class president,” upper Kimberly Dawes said. “So many people know her, so they will feel comfortable talking to her, she's also a very approachable person. She really gives her all to everything.”
Upper Callan Malone agreed and emphasized Chen’s extensive background in StuCo. “She has done a great job thus far in StuCo, and I think that will continue in her position as class president,” Malone said. “Steph is always willing to listen and put plans in motion. She has done so much for the upper class this year, and I have a feeling next year won't be much different.”
The newly elected senior class representatives are also respected and well-liked peers of the school community.
“I am 100 percent confident that Jad will do an amazing job as the senior class vice president,” upper Luis Verdi said. “I don't know any better person suitable for this role and wouldn't want anyone else. To all the uppers who voted for Jad, you can be assured that you made the right decision.”
Dawes shared similar sentiments about Chen and emphasized Chen’s affability. “There is no one who can deny that everyone loves Stephanie from the minute they meet her,” she said. “Even if they do not know her, she is one of those people who they want to meet. She has the biggest heart of anyone I know. I have a loss of words because no matter what I say, it won't give her any justice. I am so thankful she is my friend.”
Chen, Seligman and Lei are ready to take on the challenging task of making their classmates’ final year at Exeter especially memorable.
“Jad, Paul and I are ready to take on the role of making our last year at Exeter one to be remembered, so when we return to school in five years, we can reminisce on the best of Exeter,” Chen said.