I'm so proud of my children! Never, would I have had the courage to run for class or student body officer when I was in school 30 years ago. A few times I did help friends with their campaigns by making posters and mass assembling little papers, which would announce the candidate to vote for and attaching some type of trinket or little goodies on it. Only to have hours of hard work cluttering the hallways at school. I was too afraid to run and did not want to put myself out there like that. Besides, candidates were required to do a speech or a skit, which could possibly be complete and ultimate humiliation. So yes, I'm proud of my children for even wanting to "run" for a class officer position.
Abbey was the first child to run in the end of her 6th grade year for a spot as an officer at Farmington Junior High for 7th grade. Only one person from each of the elementary schools would be elected to go on and represent the 7th graders. Abbey's slogan on her 1 poster was "Don't be Crabby, vote for Abbey". She did so well! Lance and I were thrilled she did this. So was her older sister, who really encouraged Abbey, because Emily regretted not running for officer herself. Abbey came soooo close! She lost by 1 vote to Elijah McKay.
Then there was Andrew, he also ran in 6th grade for 7th grade class officer at KJH (our school boundaries changed in the middle of Abbey's 8th grade year). His slogan - "Got Andrew". It was pretty clever. He too lost by only a few votes to Brandon Lee.
Andrew choose not to run for 8th grade officer, not sure or cannot remember why. He tried again for 9th grade officer. Andrew was so brave and not embarrassed at all with this campaign using Depends underwear! He didn't win. Parker, Ryan, and Jacee did. Not to be stopped, he ran for 9th grade appointed officer. Still, he did not make that either. However, at the last half of the school year, he was a TA (teacher's assistant) for his French teacher, Madame Clarke. Madame was the teacher adviser over the class officers during 7th period and it ended up that Andrew was the TA for that period so he got in on the action and ended up helping a lot. He really enjoyed it.
Andrew did not try running for 10th grade, instead his sister, Abbey, convinced him to be an FCCLA officer - vice president of public relations. Abbey, and her friend, Abby were the presidents of the club. This was exciting at first, especially as he started high school. He got to participate in extra activities, made even more friends, and had the opportunity to participate with Abbey in FCCLA Star Events last month and did very well.
For the last few weeks, he has been running for Junior class officer. I'm so proud of him for trying it again! He made the first round and went on this week to finish out the campaign. Abbey was his "campaign manager" and helped him with posters and banners and hanging them up too. While visiting Emily at college, we enlisted her help as well to write on a few posters. It's a good thing Abbey was the campaign manager because this mom was frowning on the "sexy", the tattoos, and Shakira's hips. Who would have thought that his dressing up as Redfoo (I don't even know who he is) at Halloween would come in so handy with his campaign (thanks, Aunt Nancy). Woot! Woot! Andrew was announced today as 1 of the 4 winners as a Junior class officer! His courage pleased me, as did his desire and willingness to try again and not to give up because of past disappointments. At home I felt he was was very "chill" with his campaign and did not try to overly influence others or go over the top with what he was doing, and maybe he was different at school, but I don't think so. His attitude was if he made it great, if not, that's okay too. Andrew has many friends and is a natural leader. I remember one of the mom's from his playgroup, when he was 3 or 4, saying that she wouldn't be surprised if he became president of the United States some day. As a side note, I WISH he were running for U.S. president right now. Out of all the candidates running for the 2017 presidential office, he would by far be my #1 choice. Take a look at some of the photos from Andrew's campaign.
Next candidate, Eliza. She too exhibited great bravery and courage. Last weekend was a busy one coming up with sayings and ideas and making posters for Andrew and Eliza. I was happy when my sister, Sherrie, helped Eliza create a 3-D type umbrella for her poster when the family was here for dinner. It turned out cute! Eliza's poster was hung up on Monday and we got to see it when we went to the school for the super science night. Candidates didn't do any campaigning this week but today was the day she delivered her speech. While she has become a good little writer, she had a hard time coming up with and writing a speech. She was frustrated. But at last, by 10 p.m. last night she had something really great down on paper. This morning, her older sister was home for the day from college so she curled Eliza's hair and Eliza was dressed up and looking sharp. Her speech was first thing this morning. Eliza told us she was second to last to give her speech. Choosing not to tell the joke, instead, to begin her speech loudly as she was walking down the isle to the front podium. She has such spunk! Eliza excitedly involved her classmates right at the beginning with her speech. I wish I would have seen her in action, but she preferred me not to come. At the end of the school day, the candidates were called out to the hall and teachers let them know who the winner was. Once again, the Thaxton child comes up just a few votes short to win. This time, 3 votes shy and beat out by Jack Harris. Jack had a "super" campaign and Eliza really is happy that Jack will be representing them at KJH next year. I was well pleased with Eliza! She did a lot of hard things, hopefully proving to herself that she CAN do hard things. Eliza was feeling sad, of course, but was handling things real well when she came home. It was sweet to see the compassion and care extended to her by Abbey and Andrew, both who have been in the same position. Eliza has a great attitude! The 6th grade teachers commented on how great all of the speeches were, some of the best they've ever heard. I think this helped Eliza know that she did her very best. What helped a lot too is that all week we've been praying for both of our candidates that they could do their very best and trust in God and His will for them. "Come what may...."
How’s it going 6th grade? I can’t hear you! (Pause) That’s much better!
Here’s a question. Can a kangaroo jump higher than the Empire State Building? Well of course it can, the Empire State Building can’t jump.
Fellow friends and classmates, I can’t offer you a free trip around the world, a free Iphone6S, a doughnut, or any other bribe - but I can offer you my very best effort in representing you at KJH if elected to be your 7th grade class officer.
I want to be a 7th grade class officer because I like to be involved and I have some good ideas. I am responsible, outgoing and friendly. As a student council member this year it has been an honor to be a part of this student group. I have enjoyed being involved with activities and events that have benefited YOU and our entire school. I have learned great leadership skills. I have actually seen and experienced how much effort, responsibility, and creativity go into planning school events. It takes everyone working together and following through with assignments. Being part of group that represents others can be hard work and is a BIG responsibility, but I feel I have what it takes to represent you – my friends, classmates, and soon to be Kaysville Knights.
Give me a shout if you want to be the next Messi. Give me some love if you want to become the new Adele. Now hit me with your screams if you want to become the new Dr. Seuss or Steph Curry. Raise your voices if you want to be the next Jedi Master. Get loud if you just want to become your own individual and make your own history. Whatever it is, that you want to become, let me be the person to help you reach your full potential.
Please vote Eliza Thaxton for 7th grade rep, She’s Got ‘Ya Covered!
Thinking about these campaigns gives me joy as I remember my children's experiences of having courage and wanting to participate. Having hopes of leading their classmates. Learning important life lessons along the way. I don't know how many more class campaign elections we will have, but I do want to record what we have done so we might always remember.
As I come to the conclusion, I am recalling that I saw a photo of Lance's great grandfather, Andrew George Lavin, who was also a candidate once. I wonder if this where my kids get some of their political drive.
