Madison Ballou ’21
The 2020-2021 school year has definitely been unique due to the pandemic. Untucked sat down with Oak Knoll’s Student Body President to learn more about her experience navigating such an important leadership position in the middle of COVID-19!
What are some challenges you are facing as the 2020-2021 Student Body President?
This year has definitely been difficult. Because of COVID, there are obviously more restrictions on what we can do, and logistically, not having everyone in the Campion has been hard. It’s made planning some things either difficult or impossible! Also, we never know what’s going to happen next. When we went virtual right before Christmas, I had a bag of decorations waiting to be put up again after they had fallen. (Note for anyone else who wants to attempt that: Scotch tape canNOT hold up Christmas lights). Personally, I also really wanted to leave a good legacy behind, but I’ve really struggled with how to do that, especially this year. I’ve also recently realized that I will never get to run a normal GHR, which I’m a bit sad about. Outside of COVID, applying to college has definitely also been hard. I’m sure any senior would agree that on top of schoolwork, it’s a grueling process.
What is one thing students should look forward to for the remainder of the school year?
We have the remainder of Spirit Week to look forward to, which is probably happening during April! The Social and Athletic councils are going to have their activities outside so that we can all be together. We also will be getting Spirit Week shirts for the Athletic activities! And I don’t want to give too much away (especially because we never know what will happen), but the council is also trying to adapt some OKS traditions and make them COVID friendly!
What activities are you involved in at Oak Knoll?
Outside of student government, I run all three seasons of XC/Track. It’s been one of the best experiences I’ve had at Oak Knoll. I’ve dabbled in some clubs, but I honestly have a horrible memory and forget about the meetings…
What is one fun fact about you?
I love to bake! I’ve become the designated baker for any birthdays among my friends and family. In my opinion, the best thing I’ve made was cinnamon rolls!
How long have you been serving on the OKS student council? What inspired you to try for your first position?
I’ve been on the student council for four years, on and off. My first position was class vice president in eighth grade. I decided to run because I was very passionate about advocating for my classmates, and I had ideas that I thought they would enjoy. I’ve also been class president twice, in 10th and 11th grades. And now, I’m doing this!
What has been your favorite memory at Oak Knoll?
There are so many random, funny memories I have: giving Dr. Boisi his first baguette, the Latin trip I went on, our track “business trips”…but my all time favorite funny Oak Knoll memory HAS to be Mr. Unti getting stuck in the bathroom, and having to text Mr. Petito for help. I also love all of the memories I have of sitting in the Writing Center with my friends, especially pre-COVID when there was a giant container of pretzels in there! It’s so cozy, and I love to go and sit in there during free periods. But, overall, my favorite memory has to be Christmas. Oak Knoll Christmas is such a special time, and I really am going to miss it after graduating.
Great job Madison. Going to miss you and Lizzie.