In every society, there are (and have to be) people who dream of being politicians. Being able to help their community, being able to support the less fortunate, and being able to be leaders often motivate those with this dream. Student government at Milken Community Schools trains students in government roles here on these skills. The 9/10 division elections took place on October 14-16, 2024; and students elected the Vice President (9th grader), the President (10th grader), and Mazkir/a (the leader of student-Jewish life on campus) for each grade.

“I chose to run for the position of Mazkira because I love getting involved in our Jewish community… I also feel honored to be able to use my leadership skills in student government,” Julia R. (‘28), the winner of 9th grade Mazkira, said after her victory.

Sharlene S. (‘27) made a similar statement after her presidential victory: “Being a part of the student government at Milken is like being a part of a family, we must work together in unity and support each other through any and all endeavors. This attitude will be represented in not only the student body, but throughout Milken as well.” 

Sharlene S. and Julia R. both expressed and displayed incredibly strong determination to continue serving Milken and improving the Jewish community and family through student government. 

“The most important Jewish value to me is Kehillah [community],” Julia R. said. “I plan on using [it] to improve Milken by creating more fun and engaging activities that everyone can enjoy.” 

She also discussed her strong connection to Judaism and the Jewish community at Milken through Kehillah, a connection she wishes to spread to others at Milken to continue building that community. She plans on not only perpetuating this sentiment of Kehillah but also on creating opportunities for other students to perpetuate it between each other – the epitome of a community.

Ms. Monica Daranyi, dean of the 9th/10th division, had a very similar view of the importance of community in student government.

“Student government allows students to build their leadership skills and share their ideas to help the community bond,” she said, supporting the idea that community is incredibly important to Milken.

Sharlene finished by saying, “As a member of the student body government, my role is to act as the voice of the people, and I plan on doing my best to maintain, advocate, and succeed in my position.” 

One trait of a strong leader lies with taking other people’s opinions to heart and to act on those opinions. Hearing people’s grievances, big or small, and giving a good faith effort to help fix them, falls within the responsibilities of those leaders. 

Leadership is a theme that resonates with everyone who throws their hat into the ring for any election, big or small. Ms. Daranyi talked about her appreciation of that in Milken’s students: “It’s amazing to see a student grow throughout the process and then see them become even stronger leaders in the following years.”

The idea of creating leadership skills and being in leadership positions is incredibly important to all of the interviewees as are those communities making everyone feel connected to one another. Student government comprises new students each year, which helps bring new perspectives on student life, nurture kehillah, and train those students in leadership skills.