As the 2022-2023 Harriton school year begins, we welcome the new student council team into office. Ali Lasky is this year’s student body president, and the Harriton Banner had the opportunity to sit down with her to learn more about her new position.

What made you decide to run for president?

I served under Eli and Shayna last year as a co-chair for the events planning committee. Their dedication to the student council inspired me, and I knew that running for president was a task I wanted to conquer. Since freshman year, I had always considered running to be an officer in the back of my mind, but working so closely with the officers this school year and getting to see the “behind the scenes” of student council is what really pushed me to run.  

How would students, teachers, and/or family describe you?

People would describe me as a natural leader. I am the type of person that can support and encourage a group. People know that they can turn to me when they need me, whether to help with advice or brainstorm solutions to a problem. I can confidently say that I am the type of person that people feel proud to follow and I want everyone at Harriton to know that I am always on their side. My friends, family, and teachers can count on me and they know that when I set my mind to something, I am going to get it done. 

Which new traditions and ideas do you plan to bring to the school?

I am excited to assist in the planning of Harriton’s first-ever homecoming! I know that this has been something that Harriton students & officers have been wanting for a while now, and I am extremely honored to be able to be such a huge part of making that dream come true. I have no doubt in my mind that a homecoming dance will become a tradition that is loved by all at Harriton. 

How will you raise school spirit at Harriton?

More school-wide events. I think the reason that schools struggle with spirit is the lack of unity between grades. I want to implement more events throughout the school year, like a homecoming, that allow all four grades to come together and get to know one another. With this new mindset and increased unity, more students will want to attend sports events, dances, fundraising events and so much because everyone will truly feel like Harriton has a strong sense of community.  

How do you plan to work with the other officers this year?

I am excited to work with the other officers this school year, and the team is so excited to be Harriton’s next leaders. We are a driven and hardworking group, and all of us collaborating will result in an amazing school year. I plan on making sure that we all communicate openly with each other, and assist each other in making all of our ideas for Harriton come true.

Which event are you looking forward to the most this year? 

Although I am exhilarated for everything that comes with being elected school president, Dr. Harriton is the event that I am looking forward to the most. Last year, I was fortunate enough to be a partner in Dr. Harriton, and it was an amazing experience. The show creates a special community, and to see how the show develops throughout the months of practice & rehearsals is incredible. I cannot wait to be a part of choosing this year’s Dr. Harriton theme, and I have already started brainstorming ideas. 

How do you plan to stay updated on board decisions and urge your ideas onto the principal/board?

Communication. At the end of the day, regardless of if you are the president of your school or the president of your country, nothing gets done without solid communication. I plan to make sure that I am always communicating with not only my fellow officers and student council members, but also Mr. Weinstein and the rest of the administrators at our school. I hope to develop strong relationships with as many people at school as possible and know that this will result in me staying updated and in the loop.   

What do you expect the greatest weakness to be this year? Greatest strength?

I think that the greatest weakness will be introducing new ideas to Harriton and convincing the student body to give them a chance. I want to incorporate more student activities other than just football games and dances into Harriton’s community, and I think encouraging students to join in on new things can sometimes be tricky. I hope that everyone will go into the year with an open mind, and try to participate in student activities that may be out of their comfort zones. I am confident that our greatest strength will be fundraising events. Similar to last year, our student body will put its all into our fundraisers and even break the fundraising record for Dr. Harriton.  

How do you plan to stay motivated throughout the year?

Motivation is undoubtedly one of my strengths, and I don’t envision having an issue with it throughout the year. I know that I can rely on the other officers to help me stay motivated if necessary because we all have each other’s backs. 

Ali is ecstatic to be Harriton’s student body president along with a strong group of officers. She has plenty of ideas that she is ready to implement, and she is a dependable candidate for the job. We already see the improvement in Harriton’s school spirit and cannot wait to see what the student government brings to Harriton this year.