Introducing the 2024-25 VPs of Student Council

This past Tuesday, on April 9, 2023-2024 Student Body President Bryce Langdon ’24 announced the newly elected Vice Presidents of the Student Council for the 2024-25 school year—IV Formers Sophia Liu , Kathlynn Yao, and Tenjiwe Sithole. 

Following her election as Vice President of Academics, former Dawes and current Stephens Academic Representative Sophia Liu is very excited to keep “using [her] knowledge in order to make academics easier for everyone else.” Although she will continue making her famed Quizlets, “communicating what the Dean of Academics and the administration want for the student body also plays a big role,” she added. Liu hopes to continue the work of current VP of Academics Conan Chen ’24, who has implemented blind grading and alumni panels, but she also hopes to revamp some of the alumni workshops that were present during her II Form year. “Providing students with a means to communicate with the teachers about homework is a top priority,” concluded Liu, hoping to help students and teachers navigate through the new schedule next year.

Yao ran for Vice President of Honor and Discipline to readdress “aspects of the disciplinary system that need clarity and fixing.” Hoping to continue the progress of current VP of Honor and Discipline Daphne Volpp ’24, Yao found that trust plays a critical factor in her new role. One of her major policies, for example, “erases students’ fear of being pulled out of their daily activities for drug testing,” thus limiting the unintended shame in social circumstances. In addition, Yao hopes to build personal connections with all members of Lawrenceville, emphasizing her availability to “meet up with anyone worried about the disciplinary process.” She stated, “It is my responsibility to help individuals navigate the [disciplinary] system.” Essentially, Yao aims to build a support system for students. “By electing the Honor Council earlier and encouraging involvement, I want to make students more comfortable to seek support and help,” she summarized. Additionally, as she wishes to emphasize transparency, she elaborates that, “Students need to know what specific behaviors will get them in trouble.” To bridge the information gap students have around the disciplinary process, Yao explains that she will “make a list of common infractions, organize recording of a mock DC during preseason, send out regular questionnaires regarding disciplinary procedures, and try to make policies more flexible.” Yao aims to demystify the disciplinary system by “protecting privacy while advocating for clarity,” or in simpler terms, “getting everyone more involved.”

As Social Representative of the Carter House, Sithole has always wanted to be on the Student Council, remarking that she “really want[s] other people to enjoy the School and have fun, and see the beauty of Lawrenceville.” She pictured the Vice President of Social Life as a perfect medium for her to organize events that she hopes will leave lasting memories, noting how current VP of Social Life Grace Chu ’24 has succeeded in making the House leaderboard and other community-wide social events. Although Sithole recognizes that she now holds more responsibility, she acknowledges that creativity and having an open mindset play a big role. “The position, [VP of Social Life], entails a lot of teamwork and working with the Social Council, the rest of the Student Council, and listening to input from the student body,” she explained. She looks forward to initiating term-long challenges rather than two-week-long competitions. She noted that “a capture-the-flag or pickleball tournament would be engaging and interactive so that more people participate.” Sithole concluded that “creating memories for everyone who makes Lawrenceville special is my ultimate goal,”.

The election process now moves on to selecting the representatives for Diversity, Arts, Wellness, Athletics, and Community Service.