Members of the freshman class yesterday elected David Zubricki '07 as 2007 Class Council president, while Karan Danthi '07 was chosen as vice president.
Zubricki, who hails from Palos Park, Il., already holds the office of co-bonfire chair in Class Council. Zubricki recently joined the Dartmouth Ski Patrol, and is planning on pursuing a government, history or economics major. He is interested in politics, skiing, movies and "having fun."
As for the council, Zubricki hopes to get more of his class involved. "I want to go out there and advertise Class Council. I want to make sure the whole class of 2007 is involved," he said.
Beyond producing an amazing bonfire, Zubricki hopes to improve class participation in the Council, and make it a more representative body. "I don't want it to be just an elite group representing their own interests -- I want it to be about the whole class," Zubricki said.
Zubricki is not without qualifications for his new job. He was on the speech team in his high school, and follows national and local politics religiously. "I would have voted for Arnold," he said.
The enthusiastic president also participates in Student Assembly, an organization responsible for policy changes on campus, and is involved with the Student Organizations Committee within the Assembly. "I really enjoy having the opportunity to work with both organizations," he said. "It's really important to me that I give back to the Dartmouth community in whatever way I can."
Danthi, winner of the vice presidential election, is also enthusiastic about the upcoming term. "I want to focus on community service and student activities. I also want the Class of 2007 to know they can approach us with any issue of concern in the future," he said.
His ideas include cooperating with the chemistry department to make the 2007 bonfire burn a green color, in recognition of 2007 school spirit.
Danthi ran for vice president on a ticket with David Strange '07, who hails from Sydney, Australia. Strange lost to Zubricki in an incredibly close race. "We had record participation this year," said William Canestaro '06, advisor to the council.
According to Canestaro, the top two candidates, Strange and Zubricki, were within 10 votes of each other. The other three candidates were each within five votes of each other. There were a total of five presidential candidates on the ballot.
The 2007 Class Council is responsible for the 2007 class budget, council membership, student activities and service, as well as the 2007 Homecoming Bonfire. The council plans and organizes everything from educational activities to community service, and helps promote class spirit and recognize accomplishments.
Also elected yesterday were Christopher Bertrand '07 as treasurer, Richard Tejera '07 as Student Assembly liaison and Chris Atencio '07, who ran unopposed, as secretary.
Other newly elected council members also expressed enthusiasm for their new roles. "I'm excited about serving the class," said Student Assembly Liaison Richard "Dax" Tejera. Secretary Chris Atencio told the Wednesday audience, "I'm confident you guys are going to elect a great council."
The next meeting of the new council -- which has already convened to determine committee chairs -- will be this Monday in Collis.
