The title of Student Government Association (SGA) President is definitely not something new to Morristown Beard. However, do we really know what it is like to be President? Crimson Sun had the opportunity to speak with both SGA’s Executive President Ethan Levy ‘24 and Middle School President Nicki Fiverson ‘28 to find out.
Why did you want to be President?
President Levy explained how, during his sophomore year at MBS, he decided to step outside his comfort zone and run for grade President. After winning that year, he continued to run and win his junior year. After serving for the second year in a row he thought he could “really make a difference” as the executive president and decided to run last spring. Levy’s goals during his campaign were to “give back and make sure everyone has a fun time” while promoting school spirit and inclusion.
President Fiverson, similar to Levy, wanted to try something new and find an outlet for leadership. So, she decided to give it a shot. She said, “In my last year of middle school, I thought it might be fun and a great experience.” She said her campaign centered around both speaking up for what is right and creating better connections in the middle school across the different grade levels.
What does being an SGA president actually entail?
As the SGA president for the entire school, Levy has a multitude of responsibilities. They include meetings to help organize events and other fun activities for MBS, which he thoroughly enjoys. He said, “I love when my ideas come to life.” Aside from planning, being a role model for the community and representative of the student body are also a part of the job requirement. Levy attends as many sporting events, plays, musicals, and any event supporting the students as he can. He said, “I want people to be proud to be part of this school.” Further school spirit and pride is a large part of what Levy said he wants to leave as his impact on the school community. For example, with his idea of the Crimson Cup, he hopes to encourage friendly competition in school, increasing engagement in community activities. Levy is excited for the second semester as the Crimson Cup will hold games during school to allow students to win points for their team.
President Fiverson also plans and organizes events. Recently, she held a candy drive in the middle school following Halloween to donate unopened candy to children who did not get to go trick-or-treating. Additionally, Fiverson strives to be an advocate for student voice. She said, “I try to be approachable so students can feel comfortable walking up to me to voice a concern or opinion. Also, if they just want to talk, I am here.” To further her mission of students supporting students, Fiverson is launching a Little Sibling, Big Sibling program in the middle school where an 8th grader will be paired with a 6th grader. This allows the 6th graders to have a guide as they navigate the Middle School and eventually the Upper School.
What is your advice to future SGA presidents?
President Levy believes that collaboration is a cornerstone of the SGA. He said that he could not do any of the work he does alone. Levy’s executive cabinet, as well as the grade level cabinets, help him to achieve his vision for MBS. He said, “your cabinet is the key to your success.” Levy explained how he and his team communicate constantly to ensure all plans run smoothly. He advises future presidents to value their cabinets and says, “choosing the right people and communication are key.”
President Fiverson also advised that solid communication is crucial to achieving your goals. Not only communication with the other SGA members but with the student body as well. The job of the President is to represent the community as best you can. Fiverson said, “Always keep the community in the loop and be the voice of the students.”
