Catharina Ethania Girsang, Secondary 3 Courage

On August 29, 2024, Bina Bangsa School held the election for the president and vice president of the Student Council at the school Sports Hall after a week of the four candidates’ campaigning. This year’s president and vice president winners are Number 2, Chloe Quinn Remyvone and Verlyn Illora Theardy.

The teachers approved the members of the Student Council and these same members campaigned to vie for the top positions in the student council. The successful candidates won the elections involving the rest of the student body and the teachers. 

The students have their own ideal qualities of a leader, including Liemas Owen Sanjaya, this year’s Head Prefect. “A good leader shouldn’t just sit on a throne commanding his subordinate, rather he should work along with his subordinates, becoming a beacon of guidance for them while still contributing to the work,” he said. “This is called servant-leadership and is widely believed across the Prefect and Student Council community of BBS Bandung.” 

The Head Prefect put careful consideration into his vote. “The main thing I considered while voting was the events as well as the credibility and competence of the candidates. In my opinion, the president and vice president elect should already have experience in leadership such as in the prefectorial board, and the events proposed by the party should also be engaging and fun to be enjoyed by the whole student body.”

The candidates’ campaign started during the morning assembly on August 27. One by one the pairs of candidates stood together to present their plans if elected as president and vice president, interacting with the audience of teachers and students to win their approval.  

Two days later, August 29, the election was held in the Sports Hall. Teachers voted first, then the Prefects called out each student’s name to vote one by one. 

At 4.15 later in the afternoon, Ms Diana Sari Scheib, the Student Council advisor, opened the ballot. Sitting together with anticipation, Prefects and Student Council members gathered in the MPR 1 for the ballot counting. There were cheers and even tears as the ballots were counted. Chloe and Verlyn were declared winners. 

There are several ideal and essential qualities for a successful Student Council president and vice. “BBS really puts a lot of weight into your character, into having all the school values. Good academic performance, time management — as there’s so much to do and not so much time — their character, leadership, previous activities they’ve participated in, all of it is checked before they can become candidates for president and vice,” highlighted Ms Diana Sari Scheib. 

The Student Council advisor has her own advice for the students. “The students have to be wise before they vote. Think on who you truly trust to lead the students, who they trust to take everyone’s inputs and execute them well. Without leadership experience, it’ll be hard to execute activities with many issues.” 

As the new Student Council president, Chloe Quinn Remyvone gives her final message to the school community. “I promise to work tirelessly to ensure that this year will be a great year for everyone, especially implementing everything I promised which is hearing out student voices, creating good events, and creating a positive impact for everyone. This year I really want to promote a good name for the BBS community.” 

     Credits to Verlyn JC1

Ms Diana Sari Scheib gave her hope for the positive impact they’ll have on the school community. “They’re going to be role models for other students, give events that bring students together and give an enjoyable academic year. I hope the students will look back on their school years and say ‘I enjoyed being in BBS’.” 

Liemas Owen Sanjaya showed his support to the elected president and vice. “Congratulations! Being chosen as the president and vice president is no easy task, and required a lot of hard work and maybe even some sleepless nights preparing your campaigns and presentations, I wish you the best of luck in your student council’s endeavours this year so that all the events may run smoothly and is students will have a lot of fun.”

We look forward to working with the Student Council in bringing this academic year to life.