In the spring, the members of the Nominating Committee sit down and discuss potential candidates for next year’s Business Meeting Team. The Business Team is considered to be the Quaker school equivalent to a student government, but in our case, all students have an equal say in what happens in our community. Five people are selected to lead business meeting, but the meetings are fueled by the proposals or issues that students bring to Agenda meetings. After weeks of meetings, the Nominating Committee selected Jack Prendergast as Clerk of Business Meeting, Jessica Saunders as Clerk of Agenda, Maddie Ireland as Communications Clerk, Christian Stanborough as Treasurer, and Andrew Conces as Secretary.

Jack Prendergast came to Wilmington Friends School in ninth grade from St. Ann School in Wilmington. As Clerk, he will be required to work with others, guide the business meeting, and find the sense of the meeting. He feels that being Clerk is important because it is considered the head position of the student body. He shared, “As clerk, I hope to get a wide range of opinions and inclusive.” Jack is invested in where the money from the budget goes; he wants to make sure that people know that the main purpose of the money is to fund student clubs and activities, and help support new ones. Jack is prepared to follow in the footsteps of Tommy Rhodes ’15 and ensure the business meeting remains productive and appropriate, while still making it something students look forward to.

Jess Saunders is one of the most outgoing students in the Class of 2016. Not discouraged to talk to Jess, underclassmen love how friendly she is, making her a great choice to take the place of Martha O’Brien ’15 as Head of Agenda. If she were to describe herself in two words, she shared, “I would probably say hardworking and easily approachable, but that’s kind of three words.” Jess is an active member of both Yearbook and the women’s tennis team.  As Head of Agenda, Jess is responsible for leading Agenda Committee and planning each business meeting. When asked what she is looking forward to as a member of the Business Team, she replied, “I think for next year I’m just really looking forward to getting everyone’s voice heard and making sure Agenda Committee deals with anything the students want to discuss!”

Like Jack, Andrew Conces was new to Friends in ninth grade, but was already familiar with the community. As the secretary, Andrew takes notes of what is discussed during of every business meeting, and briefly recaps the previous meeting’s minutes at the beginning of every meeting. On his free time, Andrew watches sports, hangs out with friends, and plays the guitar. He describes himself as hardworking and kind, and is most looking forward to working with the rest of the Business Team next year, and keeping the school running as smoothly and productively as possible.

Maddie Ireland, the Communications Clerk, plays an integral role on the Business Team. Much like the job title suggests, Maddie is in charge of all things communications-related, which includes running the WFS students Facebook page. Maddie’s easygoing personality and constant smile will serve her well as she takes on the newest position of the Business Meeting Team.

As Treasurer, Chris Stanborough is in charge of all the budgeting for proposals and keeping track of the balance once proposals are passed. Like all Treasurers before him, Chris will read the budget at the beginning of each meeting and make sure everything stays on track financially.

After much deliberation, the Nominating Committee feels confident in the Business Meeting Team they have selected for the 2015-2016 school year. All five members are qualified and serve as great representatives of the student body. The team is excited to lead business meeting and continue to grow with the school community. It will be a fun experience joining them in making decisions this upcoming year!