Academy Holds CCC Representative Election

By ANGELA HE, ALEX LIM, ALEXA MOREL, and JADE YOO

This past week, many lowers have been running around, ballot sheets in hand, asking for signatures in the New Dining Hall, Elm, academic classes, dorms, and anywhere else where crowds of Exonians gather. Countless ballot sheets have been signed. Additionally, the Student Council’s Instagram featured 28 posts introducing the candidates. This is the 2025-26 Community Conduct Committee Representative election process. A huge number of candidates decided to run this year, making the stakes high and competition difficult. 

For these 28 lowers, campaigning for the CCC is a tedious and thorough process. Candidates must begin by obtaining 350 student signatures across all grades, submitting a one-page candidate statement about why they want to be on the committee, and designing a poster for the @pea.stuco Instagram account. They are also welcome to put posters up on announcement boards around campus. 

But the election process doesn’t end there—Student Council Elections Committee co-chair, Ethan Benenson, elaborates, “The student body elects eight out of all of the candidates who run. From there, those eight move on to an interview process with the actual CCC. Four or five of those eight are selected to become actual student representatives on the CCC.”

There’s a lot happening behind the scenes to make sure the CCC election runs smoothly and maintains its integrity. The second co-chair of the Student Council’s Election Committee, Alex Trotman, explains, “We had to count every single signature on all 28 signature sheets.” 

Upper Ethan Benenson provided more insight into the signature verification process, stating: “We go through and we make sure that each signature is legible and that it’s not some fake person. We get a few ‘LeBron James’s every now and then.”

Running for the CCC is no small feat, and many candidates point out personal growth, hopes to make a difference, and an interest in speaking for their peers as primary motivations. As candidate Laavanya Rasiah stated, “I decided to run for CCC representative because I want to ensure that the consequences regarding CCC cases are not centered on punishment, but on understanding and learning from the impact of your choices.”

Other candidates emphasized the importance of student representation in the CCC process. “Several adults about to determine a big decision that could hugely alter a student’s life is incredibly intimidating and scary,” said Bea Doeringer. “I believe having a student present in this process offers another perspective of being a student at Exeter, which can be extremely stressful.”

“I’m running because I want to foster an environment that is equitable and empathetic,” said candidate Nina Figueroa-Crowe. “I want to make it a less intimidating process for students.” 

Summer Mansfield echoed this sentiment, noting, “The CCC is something that’s not really offered at any other schools. It’s very unique to Exeter, and I just want to make sure it stays fair.”

Everyone has their own reasons for running to be part of the Committee. Some people ran because they could see themselves having a future legal career. Drona Gaddam, a lower in the running, said, “I’m running for CCC because I have an interest in a potential career in law, I think that the CCC offers good practical exposure to the field.” 

Lydia Carr, another candidate, similarly stated, “In the future, I want to be a lawyer, and although it isn’t the same, being able to be a part of the CCC process would be a huge opportunity.”

Others are running because they believe they can represent student voices well. Candidate Bella Tyson Montgomery said, “I am a part of many social groups on campus, so I feel I have a broad understanding of the student body, not just one group. I’m also a good listener and I think empathy is one of my best qualities, which makes me a great candidate for a position primarily based on listening and considering different perspectives.”

There are also people running because of a genuine interest in helping students gain a second chance. Finley McLane, also a CCC candidate, stated, “I’m running for CCC because every student who goes to Exeter puts time, effort, and thought into the application process. Every student has a place in the community and I want to help my peers who may find themselves in a disciplinary case focus on growth and learning.” 

Doeringer echoed McLane’s sentiments, saying, “I want to focus on students learning from their mistakes and growth instead of harshly penalizing them in this intense process.” 

Carr also agreed with both Doeringer and McLane, stating, “having students be part of this intimidating process can help immensely and I wanted to be able to provide a different perspective.”

Logan Beckerle, also a CCC Candidate, added, “I want to help maintain a positive environment where students feel heard and respected. Being part of the CCC is a chance to make a real difference in our school community.”

The role of a CCC representative is not just about attending meetings; it is about ensuring fitness and understanding throughout the disciplinary process. Representatives are required to sit in on meetings, which can last anywhere from 1.5 to over 3 hours, every other Thursday. “You need to be empathetic and a good listener, especially because students who go up to the CCC are often in the most challenging situations they’ve faced so far,” said candidate Marco Andrez. 

Despite its intensity, candidates see the role as an opportunity to give back. “The Exeter student experience is definitely unique; one that faculty can only understand to a certain degree,” explained Gaddam. “Although each of us has our own struggles and strengths, there are larger common understandings among the student body.”

Benenson serves not only as a co-chair of the elections committee, but also as a CCC representative. He expanded on the essential role of the representatives: “We support the student body. 

We make the student’s voice heard. While it might seem futile because we don’t have voting power, the things we say really do change the minds of teachers, and we provide valuable input.”

The CCC elections are more than just a process. They’re a reflection of how much Exeter students care about supporting one another. From gathering signatures to sharing their reasons for running, candidates have shown a strong commitment to making the CCC a space where students feel heard and understood. No matter who gets elected, the effort and thoughtfulness these candidates have put in remind us of the importance of empathy and fairness in our community.