Our Class Presidents

Our Class Presidents

Madison York

As the Class of 2021 looks towards the future, we must also take time to think about how we got here, to the end of our time at Melrose High School. For two MHS students, this time has been unlike any other. Most schools have a normal student government, structured like that of the United States, with a President and Vice President, and other important cabinet members, but when has Melrose ever done anything normally?

For Seniors Ella DeCecca and Daniel Freed, the Class Presidency meant equality. You might think that there would be competition, or possibly a bloody battle for power, but not at MHS. Ella thinks of the experience fondly, saying “people might think having two Presidents would be difficult but Dan and I have made the most of it”, and Dan couldn’t agree more. He says that “it has been a genuine pleasure and an honor [to share the position with Ella]” and just wants to tell her “thank you” for agreeing to share the presidency.

Just like their presidency, Ella and Dan’s high school experience has certainly been unorthodox. While the pandemic has shut down life as we know, our senior presidents have tried to make the most out of their time at Melrose High. Ella’s favorite memories have been victories celebrated with her entire class. From her Junior Powderpuff victory to winning the Superbowl and multiple league titles for track and lacrosse, Ella has loved sporting events the most. For Dan, it has been all of the little moments that have made his time at MHS so special. Now, Dan and Ella are on track to leave Melrose and start a new chapter in their lives. Next year, Dan is off to the University of Virginia, and planning on pursuing both political science and music in college. Ella will be attending Sacred Heart University, where she will be studying psychology, a passion she says was sparked by her sister.

Looking back on their high school experience, Ella and Dan have a lot of advice for underclassmen that they hope will help them navigate this crazy time. Ella wants to tell rising seniors to “live in the moment and not take anything for granted”, and that is something she wishes she had done as a freshman. Dan has more of a warning for Melrose underclassmen, and that is to be wary of falling into the very real trap of senioritis. Both Ella and Dan agree that high school flies by, and want to impress upon Melrose’s younger students the importance of living in the moment and cherishing these high school years, because before you know it it will be over.

As they prepare to depart for the future, Ella and Dan have a few things they would like to say. Ella wants to thank “every teacher and staff member that helped me get through high school”, and say that even though there were certainly many unforeseen set backs during her time at MHS, it was wonderful knowing that the staff and other students were always there to help, and that they really want you to succeed. On a lighter note, Dan wants to thank the faculty of MHS “for letting me park in the teachers lot all year that was real cool guys”.

Because of the wonderful faculty and students at MHS, and the Everest-sized challenges they have faced and overcome during these past four years, high school will not be a time easily forgotten for these co-presidents.