After sending 10 student delegates to the SMOB nominating convention Feb. 16, the SGA continues to make progress on its winter and spring projects set to take place in the coming months. 

An integral part of the SGA’s role within school is to act as a liaison between the Montgomery County Regional SGA (MCR) and the student body. One way it fulfills this role is through the nominating convention. 

Before all middle and high school students vote on the next SMOB, two top candidates must be selected from all who file to run in a primary election. Each school’s SGA sends a select number of delegates (determined by MCR based on the number of students at each school) to rank their top choice candidates in two rounds of voting.

The delegates that the SGA sends are made up of both members of the SGA and other interested students who volunteer to represent the school. Though the convention has historically taken place in person, this year it remains virtual (similar to last year’s format). Junior and SGA member Lauren Povich felt the convention was interesting, but also a bit repetitive. “A lot of candidates sounded similar towards the end,” Povich said.

When attending the nominating convention, it is important that a delegate keeps the interests of the student body in mind while hearing from candidates and eventually voting. “I thought it would be interesting to know what was going on, because Wootton is often less involved than other schools in the county,” Povich said. “One of the main things I was listening for was ADA compliance, because that is a huge thing we are looking for.”

The SMOB general election is set to take place Wednesday, Apr. 10. Students will have the opportunity to choose between Baba Cisse of Albert Einstein and Arvin Kim of Walt Whitman.

With the nominating convention in the rear view, the SGA’s focus is back on its upcoming spring project. Members are working diligently to coordinate speakers, displays and scripts as the week of Mar. 14 approaches. “We’re painting posters and displays to put up on the Commons, and a lot of the displays are going to be very meaningful,” sophomore and SGA member Lily King said.

Applications for the SGA are anticipated to open in March as well. In the meantime, interested students may want to think about what steps they can take to make themselves better candidates. For senior and SGA Co-President Nick Jones, creativity and self expression are the two most important factors a candidate should have. “There’s a lot of people who have good ideas but don’t project their ideas, because they get bogged down when others say something, especially upperclassmen,”Jones said.

Group discussion and planning is a major aspect of the SGA. Jones also looks for students who are willing to disagree and share different ideas, instead of simply agreeing with those around them. “I like people who talk. You want different opinions to find the best solution,” Jones said.