Watkins Mill hosts SMOB nominating convention for second year

Student Member of the Board Candidates, who were selected out of 13 potential candidates at the nominating convention on February 22

Student Member of the Board Candidates, who were selected out of 13 potential candidates at the nominating convention on February 22

Suriya Sundaramurthi

Over 500 students from all over MCPS came to Watkins Mill High School on February 22 to nominate the final two candidates for this year’s Student Member Of the Board of Education.

Unlike in years past, the elections went much differently as 13 candidates participated instead of the usual four candidates.

The 13 candidates gave quick opening and closing statements before student voting. After all was said and done, junior Alex Abrosimov from Richard Montgomery and junior Matthew Post from Sherwood stand as the final two candidates. 

Junior Alex Abrosimov

This is Abrosimov’s second time running for SMOB after making it to the semifinals last year. His opponent, Post, is a new participant but has had experience in MCPS’ educational affairs.

This is the third year that Watkins Mill has hosted the SMOB Nominating Convention and most people agree that we are well suited. “WM has a beautiful auditorium and a welcoming environment. Hopefully next year… I will be able to come speak at the next Nominating Convention here if of course, your SGA would like to host it again,” Abrosimov said.

Both candidates also have the same opinions on the quick opening and closing statements. “Hearing from students directly is the most important part of this job, so I’m disappointed there weren’t more student questions at the convention,” Post said. “I’m eager to continue talking to students one-on-one as the campaign continues.”

“Watkins Mill, in particular, was a great place to host because the school really embodies what’s great about MCPS: the rich diversity of students, the availability of career pathways and IB programs,” Post said.

However, during the final elections, the candidates will go in depth with their platforms and main points before voting on April 26. “The opening and closing statements are very scripted and usually generic,” Abrosimov added. “I love a good debate, so I would have loved to dive into the specifics.”

With the new changes also comes the new representation of Watkins Mill, “I think it was better this year, because there was a more diverse panel of students that were vying for the position to be the candidate for the SMOB,” SGA sponsor Lauren Squier said. “It was a nice reflection of our county and our school system.”

Junior Matthew Post

Post added, “Hats off to the Watkins Mill SGA and Mrs. Squier for hosting such a well-run event, it went incredibly smoothly.”

“Watkins Mill, in particular, was a great place to host because the school really embodies what’s great about MCPS: the rich diversity of students, the availability of career pathways and IB programs,” Post said. “But also the challenges we continue to face: socio-economic disparity and racial injustice continue to play too much of a role in the classroom and in student outcome.”

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