With the start of a new year, we thought it would be interesting to reach out to some of the leaders among the student body at Mt. Hope High School to get their thoughts on a couple of pressing issues happening in the community and beyond.

We reached out to members of the Class of 2024 student council, and got responses from Vice President, Skyla Silvia; Treasurer, Lucien Chidester; and Secretary, Arden Wilkes.

The prompts and responses will be copied below:

Voters approved a $200M school bond in November to fix up school buildings throughout the district, and eventually build a new high school. Although you'll be long graduated before the new high school is completed, what are your thoughts on the state of the school district in Bristol/Warren as you look ahead to your senior year? Do you feel more or less hopeful for the future than you did going into 2023?

Silvia: In the past the district has definitely had its issues, but I’m very optimistic about the school bond regarding its importance to Bristol/Warren and incoming students. Personally, I feel more hopeful going into this year than I did in 2023 knowing graduation and college lay ahead for me. In terms of the community, I am confident in what the new school means for improvements to public education and the futures of rising students. Looking ahead to senior year, it’s definitely sad to know the place where we’ve built so many memories will be gone, but it’s a necessary change.

Chidester: I think the state of the district is looking up, at least compared to last year. Covid hurt a lot of programs in the district, especially in the arts, and unfortunately I think it will take some more time for them to fully recover. I’m hoping we can start to build back up some of the things that have been cut. I’m also hopeful about the school bond project, the current high school has some significant issues that definitely need to be addressed in the new plan, and that I think will be based on what I’ve seen.

Wilkes: I’m very excited that voters approved the bond to repair and upgrade our current school buildings, and I believe that the repairs and new high school are much needed. Currently, I feel as though the environment at Mt. Hope is far from perfect, and hopefully this legislation will update the physical environment and climate of the school. Ideally, these updates in the building will help improve the morale of the school; one can only hope. I do feel more hopeful, but a lot of change still needs to be made.

2024 is a presidential election year. By November, I can assume some or all of you will be 18 years old. Will you be voting in the election, and what issues are most important to you as a young voter in 2024?

Silvia: As a young voter in 2024, affordable education, climate change, healthcare access, and social justice are extremely important issues to me. I definitely plan on voting and each of these topics have a large influence over the future of Americans as well as the opportunities available for our generation. As a new voter, I believe it’s essential to look at the values of current candidates and consider the benefits or consequences their opinions about these issues could have on the population.

Chidester: I will absolutely be voting in the 2024 election! I think voting is an important responsibility, and one that I fully intend to exercise. One of the most important issues in my mind is climate change. As a young person, I will be one of those inheriting the world from the people currently in power, and I think it is imperative that we fight against climate change to keep that world safe. Over time the issue will only get worse, so we need to start taking action now.

Wilkes: Yes, I do plan on voting in the 2024 election. Although the topics are very controversial, women’s reproductive rights and gun control are very important to me. When making a decision on who to vote for, these issues, along with the politicians personal belief systems and their plans for their term, will be the deciding factor for me. Looking at our state specifically, I hope to vote for representatives who will protect Rhode Island’s beautiful environment, and those who will be outspoken in support of RI citizens and our values.

What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead? Do you have a bold prediction for something that will happen in the coming year? That could be locally, nationally, or globally.

Silvia: I am most looking forward to enjoying my last Summer before college this year and entering a new school environment. As college begins, I’m excited to begin the first steps in my academic journey to become a nurse practitioner. At the rate technology and society is advancing I honestly don’t have any specific predictions for the new year, but anything is possible and I’m glad I’ll be able to witness it.

Chidester: I am looking forward to finishing high school on a strong note. It’s been a good few years, and I’m excited to begin my college journey. Outside of that, I’m mostly just interested to see how the state of society develops, both nationally and internationally. We live in an especially fast-paced world, a lot can change in only a few months and I can’t really imagine what will happen next. One thing I would predict (hope) is that at least some of the conflicts going on around the world finally come to an end.

Wilkes: I am looking forward to graduating in June, and subsequently starting college in September. I don’t have too many bold predictions, but hopefully the Bruins will win the Stanley Cup!