For the first time since 1999, both Upper School (US) student body co-presidents are boys — due to a change in the election process. Historically, there were three spots available in the primary elections for boys and three spots for girls. From those primaries, one boy and one girl were elected co-presidents.
Now, the junior class puts forward four students, regardless of gender identity, for the role of co-presidents.
Last year, four boys ran for the position. Salar Sekhavat and Jonathan Andreoli (both ’26) were elected as the US student body co-presidents in April.
US Junior Grade Dean Beth McNamara said the goal is competent leaders.
“We want good student leaders just as much as the students do,” Ms. Mac said. “I don’t think there’s a particular reason it went specifically to two boys. Interest from girls in running for co-president varies a little bit year to year, but generally, it’s something I would be worried about if girls stopped running, and I’m always encouraged when we do have female leadership.”
Elizabeth Velander ’26 said Salar and Jonathan were elected as the co-presidents for a reason.
“I think there is a balance of leadership between boys and girls. I felt pretty confident in the co-presidents. I didn’t really see it as ‘girls can’t run.’ It was more of who was interested in the position. Last year, we had a female co-president, and both Salar and Jonathan have experience in leadership roles. Everyone knew that they would be good leaders.”
While two boys are co-presidents this year, female leadership thrives outside of the student government.
“I have seen girls taking initiative in other ways,” Elizabeth said. “For example, I’m the captain of the crew team, and it’s a good example of leadership for girls sports. I’m also a student senior prefect, where we have 10 of us, and eight are girls. Even though the student council has boy presidents, girls are definitely leading in other fields.”
For the FemCo Co-President Quinn Reynolds ’27, leadership balance extends beyond gender to include race and culture.
“A balanced leadership culture is not only gender, but race, culture and socioeconomic backgrounds. BB&N does lots of DEIG work, and we could see more events directed to girls in leadership.”
US Science Teacher, Freshman Class Dean and Girls Advancing in STEM (GAINS) Faculty Advisor Jenn Gatti said clubs like GAINS and FemCo aim to foster leadership and community for female-identifying students.
“There are a lot of leadership opportunities for all students across campus, both male-identifying and female-identifying,” she said. “I hope girls will feel empowered to run for important roles. A lot of clubs across campus support and develop future leaders, not only FemCo and GAINS. Many of the affinity groups have female-identifying leaders this year along with many other clubs, so there are many female-identifying students across campus that have run for and gotten leadership roles. Female faculty leaders also serve as key role models for students.”
Junior Class President Diya Gandhi ’27 uses her leadership platform intentionally, she said.
“I encourage younger students to run for a position because, if you lose, no one really cares, and there will be so many other leadership opportunities, so there’s very little downside.”
School leaders should have a diversity of perspectives and experiences, Diya said.
“A balanced leadership culture will have many opportunities for leadership roles, so a diverse group of people who want these positions can get them, and many different viewpoints can be represented.”
Before Diya was the junior class president, Jack Reinfeld ’27 held the role. Caroline Killory ’27 said leadership at the school fluctuates between boys and girls.
“There is a balance of leadership between boys and girls for class presidents. I thought having two boy co-presidents was fine. It would have been nice if there was a girl, but there’s always next year.”
