Junior Class President (JCP) elections have come to a close. Candidates have prepared their campaigns, the Senior Class President (SCP) will have received a new collaborator, and the school has a new representative to lead the junior class. Twelve juniors have competed for the position to lead their class; however, that number will have been cut down to five or six students after the interview process.

Standing out in a group of 12 is something each candidate was forced to achieve. Being unique is vital when running for JCP, according to this year’s SCP, Parker Ragle.

“There are going to be a lot of candidates like last year,” Ragle said. “Don’t get lost in the crowd, do something that will make yourself stand out.”

Neil Hunt, last year’s JCP, firmly believes in being innovative throughout the presidential campaign.

“Based on my campaign last year I would suggest being creative and unique,” Hunt said. “But most of all have fun with it regardless of the results at the end.”

Candidates were also aware of the necessity that originality holds in their campaigns. Applicant Benny Rubanov expresses how he planned to stand apart from the crowd during elections.

“To stand out I have a special signature slogan that is to be announced,” Rubanov said. “I believe the candy I’m bringing will also make for something very punny, as well as have me stand out as a rather clever candy-date.”

There are various ways to promote oneself, whether it is by handmade posters, candy with witty slogans or through social media. Promotion was crucial in Hunt’s campagin last year, as well as in Rubanov’s pursuit of becoming JCP.

“In my campaign during my junior year, I made creative posters with slogans on them, as well as a promotional video to let everyone know who I was and that I was running,” Hunt said.

Rubanov’s goal in becoming JCP took a turn for the technological route, as well as appealed to students through sweets and witty catch phrases.

“Coming up I will be posting a great new video on Twitter and Youtube,” Rubanov said. “Get ready for a whole bunch of candy from us candidates, and prepare for the slogans.”

The JCP collaborates with our SCP frequently. A popular subject the two will be working on is The Hype (a movement for school spirit at athletic games), enforced by last year’s SCP Connor Madden.

“Plano West is a relatively young school,” Ragle said. “So Ethan Wright (Student Congress President), the future JCP and I will really want to make some traditions at Plano West, kind of like what Connor did with The Hype.”

“After being elected to be the JCP, I worked a lot with the SCP,” Hunt said. “I really liked collaborating with everyone I worked with. It was a very enjoyable experience.”

The Hype is a topic that JCP hopefuls including Rubanov planned to incorporate school spirit into his campaign with hopes to sky rocket the positive energy throughout the student body.

“The Hype is extremely vital to West, and making it and the spirit of the school bigger is very important,” Rubanov said. “I think it is beneficial to the campaign and being JCP to help raise up The Hype even more.”

JCP is a position that requires a consistent work ethic and positive attitude. This title calls for being comfortable with having a significant role within the school.

“The most challenging aspect of being Junior Class President is the extra time spent at West preparing for various events and working with Student Congress,” Hunt said. “This year’s JCP should expect a large amount of important responsibility.”