Every year, College of DuPage students have the opportunity to vote three of their classmates into the offices of student body president, student body vice president, and student trustee. While in the past voter turnout has been less than impressive (last year saw less than 1 percent of the student population vote), these elections should be important to all students who care about the future of our college and having their voices heard. Today, March 16, is the last day to vote for your picks in each category. Current Student Leadership Council officers Joe Stahl, Miguel Hernandez and Gloria Roark declined to make their endorsements, but after interviewing each candidate individually and attending the candidate forum hosted on March 8, here’s who we at the Courier think would be the best choice for each position:

Student Body President: Kiley Pooler

With a student-oriented focus and a clear knowledge of the bigger issues at the college, Pooler is the best candidate for student body president. Opponents Michael Strange and Jorge Herrera lack an emphasis on COD-specific concerns, and Martha Virgen certainly has previous leadership experience, but not a clear direction for moving forward in this position. In contrast, Pooler knew the most about what the college needs and what we’ve done right. Her plans to help students make the most of available scholarships and connect clubs as an outlet to raise awareness of scholarship opportunities are not only resourceful but show she really cares. There is an obvious effort on her part to improve the lives of students in very specific and meaningful ways, and that effort should not go to waste.

Student Body Vice President: Ugne Narbutaite

Ugne Narbutaite stands out as a candidate with original ideas and valuable people skills, while the rest of the candidates fell short in both categories. Her ability to be outgoing and open to others is an asset in a position where communication with students is everything. In addition, while the other candidates for vice president share virtually all of the same ideas, Narbutaite sets herself apart from the rest with thoughtful initiatives and a welcoming demeanor. Her attitude toward the position is forward thinking. Instead of focusing on her previous leadership accomplishments, Narbutaite has plans for leading COD students in the future.

Student Trustee: Cody Castle

Cody Castle has an unmatched enthusiasm for this position, which says a lot considering how strenuous it will be for whoever is chosen. Working with the board of trustees has proven challenging for our current Student Trustee Gloria Roark, as the past year has been anything but easy with the tension between members. However, Castle emphasizes his want to bring respect to the board, respect for the students, for the trustees and for the community. He is confident in his ability to follow in Roark’s footsteps and commends her on her accomplishments during her term, making it clear that he is well informed on the issues at hand. As a student of the college for three years, Castle has already made his mark as a NASA Community College Aerospace Scholar. While his opponent, Luzelena Escamilla, doesn’t seem unqualified, Castle has a definite leg-up when it comes to leadership experience and knowledge on school issues.