Mieth strives for connection, impact as freshman class president

Freshman class president Brody Mieth is using his strong dedication and desire for inclusivity to serve as the blueprint for his class to have a successful year.

Mieth held leadership roles at Trottier Middle School, including class clerk and secretary, and decided to run for freshman class president because of his strong interest in government. Other class officers include Vice President Aanya Rustgi, Secretary Joanna Allcott and Treasurer Maya Karmelek.

“I had literally been telling people at lunches in eighth grade, ‘If I were to run next year, would you vote for me?’” Mieth said.

Although he is still new to this position, Mieth believes he fits the role and responsibilities that come with it.

“I generally put in extra effort,” Mieth said. “I’ve taken time out of my personal life, not just meetings, but to send emails, communicate with people and introduce myself to new people. Leadership has taught me that it’s not just for the title;… I want to make a difference. I want to plan fun events and raise a lot of money for the [freshman] class.”

Mieth was not interested in the position for social status, but instead he strives to help strengthen connections between classmates and make a genuine difference.

“Part of your job as leader is to make sure that everyone’s opinions get heard,” Mieth said. “As president, I feel like it’s really important that I know everyone, or at least have met them and try to make a connection.”

Mieth aspires to bring the class closer together. To achieve this, he plans to use platforms like Instagram and Google Forms to ensure every student has a voice.

Above all, Mieth recognizes that leading is a team effort. His goals require cooperation not only from the steering committee, but the entire class.

“I couldn’t plan any of this alone,” Mieth said. “It’s like giving credit to the people who are surrounding me.”

One of those key surrounding leaders is Rustgi, who has known Mieth since elementary school and sees his collaborative style firsthand. Rustgi admires Mieth’s outgoing personality and drive for inclusivity.

“Whenever [the steering committee is] discussing as a group, he makes sure everyone is involved and every idea is shared,” Rustgi said. “Every thought counts into what we are trying to work towards as the freshman student body, and I think that’s a really great characteristic of his, which makes him a great leader.”

The steering committee is collectively focusing on raising funds for major class milestones like junior prom, while creating opportunities to encourage a greater sense of belonging within the freshman class.

“One of our main goals is fundraising, but more importantly, just getting our community closer together,” Rustgi said. “We want to focus on making sure we can keep our environment and community safe for people to come to school and feel comfortable.”

As Mieth and the council begin planning for the year ahead, they are still learning how to manage their responsibilities. Mieth’s advice to the freshman class reflects the importance of making the most of the high school experience.

“If I had to just tell every person in the class one thing, I’d say get involved,” Mieth said. “Clubs, sports and even the steering committee. Do the fun stuff while you still can before you have bigger things to worry about.”

Mieth strives for connection, impact as freshman class president

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