For Ella Monteverde, newly installed student council president at Marshall Road Elementary School in Vienna, the prospect of her presidency is exciting but has her "a little shocked," she said, "because of all the responsibilities and hard work that goes along with it."
Ella, along with other Marshall Road students, learned more about the challenges of leadership Wednesday, June 15, with Mayor Jane Seeman on hand as guest speaker at the Student Council Association Installation ceremony.
"Everybody is good at something, and leaders have special challenges," said Seeman, at the ceremony. She stressed the importance for leaders to listen to the people they represent, to ask for help and to admit mistakes. "Leadership is about self," said Seeman. "It is about challenges, being fair, honest, courteous and trustworthy."
The outgoing student council included president Lindsay Mottola, vice president Michael Land, secretary Bridget Jamison, treasurer Sydney Bowen and historian Ella. The incoming student council included Ella, president, as well as incoming vice president Eric Tutterow, secretary Ginger Collier, Margaret Stonerock and historian Cameron Bierkan.