College Election Report

Election Extravaganza
Blackwater Integrated College has been a whirlwind of manifestos, speeches and photographs, as candidates have sought to become elected for the new Student Council for 2010.

Events began with the arrival of Julie Taggart, a field officer from SEELB. She spoke to Years 8 - 11 on two “Democracy Days”. Activities included ranking the respective authority of different groups within the College, as well as crafting responses to a number of issues which they could face if they were part of the Student Council. The Democracy Day taught the students about responsibility and how the ability to bring about change was in their hands.

It was then time for the students to bring about this change, by nominating their peers to stand for election. Over 30 candidates were selected, and now they had to encourage the rest of the College to vote for them on Election Day. The main corridor was awash with posters and slogans, catching the eye of potential voters.

The Election Day was visited by Mr Eddie McGrady of the SDLP and Mr John McCallister of the UUP. They oversaw the students making their votes and offered words of wisdom on the importance of getting involved and making their voices heard.

A series of special assemblies were held for Years 8 - 11, where candidates laid out their manifestos and promised their peers a variety of changes including changes to uniform, timetables, canteen food, the credit system, lockers and activity clubs. Some students even embraced the new modern age, by presenting their speeches on video.

On Thursday 28th January, the countdown was over. The campaign trails had halted. It was time for the students of Blackwater to cast their votes for a Council which would lead them through the first year of the new decade. Thanks to the efforts of Mrs Cockfield, students were given their very own
election cards for the day. After presenting these to Year 12s, it was off to the polling booths while the candidates looked on nervously.

On Monday 1st February, the results were in. A special assembly led by Mr Bothwell congratulated the winners of the Election. Mr Bothwell thanked all of the candidates for their efforts and encouraged the winners to serve their peers well in the coming year.

Year 8 Winners
Marc Davey - Chelsey Logan

Year 9 Winners
Sophie Bailie - Sam Garrett

Year 10 Winners
Laura Morris - Corey Jamison

Year 11 Winner
Chris Ritchie

Year 12 Representatives
Zoe Bailie - Curtis Mackin