As Lake Forest Academy steps into a new school year, the halls are again filled with posters, speeches and chatter on the election. While junior and senior Student Council members are typically elected before summer break, the freshman and sophomore classes hold their elections right at the start of the fall term. For the incoming freshman in particular, the election process introduces a first look at the future student leaders of LFA.
For Assistant Dean of Students Ackim Mpofu, the fall elections is a foundation for how students learn to serve their community. “The goal of being on [Student Council] is consistently asking how to make the school and the community better,” Mpofu said. He emphasized that the student council provides a platform for students to learn to identify needs, build consensus and actively solve problems. Looking ahead to the upcoming year, which includes organizing class events to fundraising for prom, Mpofu is focused on sustainable growth and leadership skills. “We’ve already laid the foundation,” Mpofu said.
He said, “Now, how can we be consistent in our leadership and teaching what leadership means, especially in the 21st century?”
The modern approach Mpofu suggests is based on not getting too comfortable with the status quo. Through potential G-Day leader meetings and collaborations with other schools, Mpofu says, “[Student Council] members should stay adaptable, bringing new perspectives, energy and eagerness to work.”
For the Class of 2030, the election marks the beginning of their high school journey. Freshman Class Advisor Lorenzo Jennings is stepping into his role with plenty of enthusiasm: “It’s the beginning of a new era, year and culture,” Jennings said. “Through Field Day, I realized the freshman class is excited. I think they bring a great energy to LFA.”
Having recently adjusted to his own transition to LFA, Jennings hopes to act as a supportive guide as the new student council is elected. “Being the new one last year, I’m hoping to be a mentor for them and follow along their journey as a class advisor. I’m excited to see their culture, developing camaraderie, energy and excitement.” At the same time, Jennings wants the student council to take the lead and ownership of their roles. “I can already see the class had so much excitement and dedication to the LFA experience, so I’m thrilled for them to sketch what they would like to do as StuCo members by giving advice, showing up and guiding the experience,” he said.
“I want to make everyone feel like they have a special place in the class and the community: making them feel like they’re at home.”
Students are also weighing standards on who to vote to represent them. Cameron Wilson ‘30 said, “I don’t really know what to expect.” He said that while campaigns vary in tone, the most important factor in electing representatives will be who takes the role seriously and is ready to follow through on their responsibilities. Kiara Patel ‘30 shared a similar opinion, expressing her excitement for the upcoming vote and the lively energy on campus. For Patel, the ideal leader balances commitment with positivity, puts in genuine effort, takes accountability and keeps the experience fun for the whole group.
While freshmen are just getting used to a new place, the sophomore class comes into this election with lots of spirit, placing second on the February Frog Hunt Lip Sync Battle last year. Sophomore Class Advisor Dr. Katelyn Hartke reflected on watching the class dynamic develop during their first year. “It was a lot of fun getting to know different students, but also getting to know the class and the personality itself,” she said. “It gave me a fuller picture of who LFA students are.”
Hartke highlighted the class’s strong sense of unity and enthusiastic participation, particularly in events such as the house cup, the frog hunt, and class events. “Welch’s personality is very community-minded. I felt it in the process of preparing for the lip sync, by how many members of the class participated and were eager to participate.”
As the Class of 2029 elects its next group of representatives, Dr. Hartke hopes to see the eagerness through meaningful initiatives. “I hope that they apply their community-mindedness to events, not only asking students to donate something for fundraisers, but also giving something back to the student body.”
As election day comes to a close, there is more excitement surrounding the freshman and sophomore elections. Whether it’s organizing large events at school or simply making sure every student is heard, the incoming student council members are bringing the school spirit.