By: Devon Liang '27
As the 2024-25 school year at Cate School begins to take off, the newly elected student body president and vice president, Joba Samson ‘25 and Riley Valente ‘25 reflect on how their campaign is going and what they are looking forward to during their term.
To start off, both Joba and Riley expressed that their transitions into their roles have been relatively smooth, thanks to the support of faculty members, particularly Mrs. Hansen. Joba elaborated on how the faculty’s involvement eased their burden, “It was made easy by the faculty that worked with us. The hardest part would be the workload and timing things as fast as possible.”
Joba and Riley’s campaign has two main objectives: to ensure every student is heard and to bring back the pride of the school. While Joba understands the need for students’ opinions, especially via the Senate, he acknowledges that this area is still a work in progress when he asserts, “I feel as if we haven’t heard enough from the student body, nor have we communicated enough with them.”
When asked about potential challenges between students and faculty transparency, both Joba and Riley emphasized their roles as mediators. Joba pointed out his responsibility as president: "As president, I am the liaison between the faculty and student body. I will ensure both sides are heard." Riley added, "We’ve been hearing student concerns, and our goal is to make sure students understand the faculty's perspective while ensuring that their voices are heard equally…Students and teachers are supposed to work [together] for one purpose.”
Additionally, the pair also seeks to restore existing customs while instituting new ones, which will foster a greater sense of belonging for individuals in the community. “We want to make sure that the school spirit does not fade away as classes go out,” Joba said. Their plan focuses on sustainable changes that can be carried out for years to come. Two of the most anticipated events of their term are the uniquely coined "Riley Days" and "Joba Jazz Nights." Riley explained his vision for “Riley Days” as an opportunity to unwind and appreciate the beauty of Cate School's campus: "It would be a surprise day where we set up picnics, Frisbee games, and spike ball to enjoy the scenic views of the campus—no loud noises, just relaxation." “Joba Jazz Nights”, on the other hand, would take place in a cozy setting, such as Upper Booth or the new Mcintosh room, where students can enjoy live jazz music, mocktails, and even performances from talented classmates. These events, alongside traditional cookouts and late-night bus trips, aim to strengthen bonds within the school community.
With an exciting blend of new ideas and commitment to student-faculty collaboration, Joba Samson and Riley Valente are poised to lead a memorable and engaging year for the Cate School community.
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