During the 2018 midterms, a record number of women won elections across the country. Closer to home, AF Bushwick Elementary recently voted for their student government representatives—and elected all girls! We sat down with President-elect Tori to learn more. Thanks for chatting with us, Tori. Tell us about yourself. I’m in fourth grade. My favorite class is history with Mr. Franzblau [also the student government adviser]. Some things we’ve learned about are the American Revolution, and the French and Indian War. When I’m not at school, I like to read my books at my house. My favorite book is “The Tale of Despereaux”—it’s about a mouse who’s tiny and he’s nice. His family thinks he’s weird because he has big ears. One day he goes to the library and he gets a book and loves to read. Then he meets a princess and an evil mouse, and there are lots of adventures. It’s cool that Despereaux likes reading, just like you. We hear you were recently elected president of the student government—was that exciting? I was super happy because the process was fun. First, everyone did speeches in the auditorium, vice presidents, and then presidents. We all had big posters, and my mom was there to watch me. At the end of the speeches, we came to the stage, and everyone took a bow. Then, we went upstairs and voted. When the day was over, we all got together, and Mr. Franzblau told me that I won! It was really exciting. I jumped up and down. That does sound exciting! How does it feel that all girls were elected to represent the school? Do you have any female role models that you look up to? I was in student government last year as a representative. I am proud because before it was two boys and three girls, and now it’s all girls. We can be a better team because we have more things in common. My role model is my mom—she’s helpful, and she helped me prepare for this! [caption id="attachment_17305" align="alignleft" width="235"] AF Bushwick Elementary School scholar, Tori[/caption] What’s one issue/topic that you want to address or a problem you want to fix as a member of Student Government? One thing we’re working on is a student Bill of Rights. We’re going to make it for the students so they know what they can do, and we’ll put it in the front of the rooms, like a poster. This will help students remember what they can do and will help them get less reminders and consequences so that we can all have a good day. Why is it important for people to be involved with government, whether at school, in your neighborhood, or even across the country? It’s important to be part of government all over because it makes people feel like they have a voice and feel good and proud. It gives them a say in what the government does and decisions that are made. Do you have any ideas for what you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a dancer because I like dance. When I’m not reading, I’m dancing—all kinds of styles. We can’t wait to see what’s next! Thanks so much, Tori. Good luck!