Presidential Exit Interview with Ethan Anderson

As we transition from one study body president to another, we had a conversation with former president Ethan Anderson to reflect on the progress he has made and what he would like to see in the future.

Q: What advice do you have for Dean as the next student body president?

A: Be open! I’d say being open and being there for everyone. It’s not a big thing, but I know for me it was awesome standing out at the doors to welcome people every morning. I’d say by the end of the year I knew the names of ½ to ⅔ of the names of kids in the Upper School, which is crazy since it was just from standing out front in the morning every day. Being present and visible so the students know that he’s there for them.

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your time as president?

A: It’d have to be the return of snow days. Mr. Boaz was probably more influential than me because he sent out a fantastic email voicing the opinions of teachers as well as students. Overall, it was truly wonderful to see the school come together. Having over 800 teachers, students, and parents coming together to voice their opinions was truly wonderful to see.

Q: If you could have done one more thing before your time as president ended what would it have been?

A: Selfishly, for the seniors, I’d have to say not getting lunch out. Just overall though, I wish we could’ve had a Spring Homecoming because it was something I was really intent on doing from the beginning of the year. Obviously, it wasn’t feasible because of Covid, just like a lot of my other ideas at the beginning of the year. Spring Homecoming was something I was really excited about and wanted to get done but thats all over.

Q: How do you feel about the efforts to discuss and combat racism this year and what was your role in it, if any?

A: I thought it was super important. I know that in different classes, we talked about it more. In French, I had an entire 2 month unit that talked about racism and that was really interesting. We also went to the Lower School and talked to 5th graders about it; that was a really cool thing to do. Also, Black history Month, a lot was done then. Me as well as a bunch of other students went down to the Middle School and went through different Civil Rights slideshows. Happy to see Upper Schoolers helping younger kids to understand a very complex issue. I think it was super well done.

Q: What about efforts to support LGBTQ students?

A: I didn’t see a whole lot of that. I’m gonna be honest, I didn’t see as much of an effort by the school other than the day of action which I was personally a huge fan of. Straying away from a day of silence to a day of action was a big deal. Personally, I was more than happy to wear a pronoun pin and a gay pride mask to show my support. Other than that, didn’t see a whole lot.

Q: Why don't you tell us about your senior project?

A: My senior project. Me and a couple of buddies: Max Crook and Ollie Waters are forming a band. Channeling my two years of US Choir as lead vocalist, so that’ll be a good time.

Q: Have you guys been practicing? What can you tell us?

A; There are some good things to come. We’ve got some scattered equipment, so I hope it’ll be good. Max is dirty and Ollie can play, so I hope I don’t mess up too bad on vocals.

Q: What is your favorite senior project being done by another senior?

A: I’ve been keeping up with Nico’s 25slices parody account. Watching those videos all the way through has been kinda hilarious. I’m looking forward to a lot more of those.

Q: What’s the favorite prom ship?

A: The captions on the KingPromposals account have been amazing. Nobody knows who runs the account but props to whoever it is. My favorite promposal was definitely Juaqo Silvani.

Q: What are some things you’d like to see from the SC next year, following in your footsteps?

A: I’d like to see them keep proposing ideas. I know that a lot of proposals are shot down in a regular year. Specifically, there were a whole lot of great ideas that normally could’ve been passed that were shot down immediately because of Covid. I don’t want that to deter incoming or returning student council members because it was rough having ideas for activities that could benefit students that were shot down because of Covid. So, I’d say keep looking out for students and keep firing proposals.

We would like to thank Ethan for his amazing work as president and we look forward to what Dean’s presidency will bring!