DHS elects student council executive board and class representatives

By Mianna Burke ’28

Derby High School recently concluded its student council executive board elections with 18 candidates on Sept. 19, 2025, with Lazare Delvalle ‘26, Souzveen Mekael ‘26, Sophie Mraz ‘26 and Nedaat Masiat ‘26 surfacing as the newly elected executive board leaders. Following those elections, DHS is getting ready for the class representative elections scheduled for Friday, Oct. 3. Students and candidates are preparing for the upcoming elections deciding who they want to represent them and serve as the voice of their class.

By concentrating on embracing and creating an engaging student experience, the new board members are willing to dedicate their time and visions for this upcoming school year.

Mekael, the newly elected Vice president expressed her excitement and future goals for the year. She said, “I want to make this school year better…I was very happy I won and I hope to make this school year fun and easier.” Mekael stated the importance of personal connection in her campaign meant noting that she mainly campaigned by word of mouth and the help of her friends spreading the word. Her approach touched many students who were looking for a supportive and engaging environment. 

Meanwhile, Brianna Fernandez ‘28, a candidate for sophomore class representative, shared her thoughts and motivation for connecting with her class. “I ran for class representative this year because I want the voice of class of  2028 to be heard and I want to be a role model to the school community,” said Fernandez. Fernandez also highlighted her campaigning efforts stating, “I posted my posters through my social media and hung some around the school.” Fernandez strives for creating meaningful fundraisers and contributing to fun school events, setting her commitment to actively wanting to help shape Derby High School. 

Students in Derby High School have high expectations for this year’s Executive Board and upcoming class representatives. From seniors wanting more support and freshmen wanting to seek a voice, students are looking for leaders who will improve their school experience. 

Brandon Tosado ‘26  hopes the executive board will focus on student life. He said,  “I honestly expect a lot of good things… Some students, including myself, need the extra help and benefits especially with everything coming up this school year.” Tosado’s comments show a need for leaders who will meet students’ expectations. 

Makaila Briscoe ‘29 wants the board to listen to the students, especially the freshman. She said, “I would hope to expect the student council board to hear the students point of view…considering that we are the newest and the youngest.” She also wants engaging activities: “ I would like to see fun fundraisers that students definitely would participate in.”

Social Studies teacher Spenser Butterworth, leader of Derby High School’s Student Council, shared his excitement about the current candidates and the newly elected board: “I think we really ended up with a good pool of candidates and we have a really strong executive board to start us off.” He also values competitiveness, believing “it shapes the candidates” and is excited about the outcome of class representative elections. 

The class representative candidates include Freshman: Nevaeh DeCruz, Veer Patel , Kasey Greene, and Jeyden Allwood, Sophomores: Mianna Burke, Brianna Fernandez, Skylah Clarke, and Jonathan Rodriguez, Juniors: Melanie Fearon, Roudja Mekael, Luke Camara, Leonardo Soares, and McKeon Gray, and Seniors: Hailey Cartagena, Donella Delija, Brianna Hubbard, Breanna Perez, and Carter Ruggiero.  

With such a diverse and a great group of candidates, the upcoming elections will bring fresh perspectives and new opportunities to Derby High School!