Written by: Claire Cotie

The Co-Prime election for the 2025-2026 school year is May 5-9. Learn a bit more about the candidates: Madi Arndt, Locke Amaral, Ben Dryland and Chiamaka Emeadi!

Why did you choose to run for Co-Prime?

I chose to run for Co-Prime because I want to make a positive impact on this school. I love KCI so much, and I want to ensure everyone has the high school experience they deserve! Over my three years here, I have learned and grown so much, and I want to give back to the school in any way I can. I have tons of new ideas lined up for next year that could truly benefit the students here at KCI, and being Co-Prime would provide me with the opportunity to make those plans a reality.

Are you prepared for the commitment of the Co-Prime role? Why?

I am 100% prepared for the commitment of the role. I think it is a big responsibility, but I have the time management skills and experience required to be ready for it. Over the past three years, I have learned valuable strategies through balancing my extracurriculars, competitive dance, my job, and my academics. I am motivated, determined, organized, and prepared to give it my all! 

How/where are you involved in the school community?

My involvements here at KCI include the arts, sports, clubs, and leadership. I´ve been in Limelight for three years now, in the drama cast and the dance cast. Additionally, I ran Cross Country for two years and managed the team this past fall. Ever since grade nine, I have been involved in the Raidy Bunch, which has allowed me to volunteer at numerous school events and attend conferences. I've also been in Track and Field, TAC, The Edge, Limelight Writing Team, Raider Buddies, and more!

What are a few things you hope to focus your campaign on?

I hope to focus my campaign on student wellness, community outreach, and making the most out of next year! I am incredibly passionate about supporting students, academically and emotionally, and I plan on taking steps to achieve this goal, such as creating a Peer Tutoring program and Exam Season Stress Busters. I also want to make sure that all students feel included and celebrated through initiatives like an Appreciation Board and Home Room Representatives.

Why did you choose to run for Co-Prime?

I chose to run for Co-Prime because I wanted to do as much as possible for this school to create positive change. I very genuinely believe that KCI is a great school with a great community, and since that community has done so much for me, I want to give back in a position of responsibility.

Are you prepared for the commitment of the Co-Prime role? Why?

I certainly think I'm prepared for the responsibilities, but the role requires a lot out of a person. You always see the Co-Primes at tons of different events at KCI, and many of them have commitments outside of the school. It's clearly so much pressure, but I believe I can handle it. One thing I'm definitely prepared for is the attention that comes with it. Even running for Co-Prime kind of puts you in this position where you're forced to be judged and perceived by hundreds of people; I don't think I'll be too overwhelmed by that. It's just going to motivate me to make assemblies as entertaining as they possibly can be!

How/where are you involved in the school community?

I help run Swift Radio and announce in the mornings. I also help run Trivia Club, but I've received so much help this year because a lot of my time has been taken up directing Street Wise for Spotlight. If you're reading this article, it's probably already too late to watch it, but it was a great, hilarious show! I directed a ridiculously talented cast with another student, Spencer Merino, and with everyone's efforts—Art Crew, Stage Crew, the woodworking class, staff sponsors—it has made for a spectacular experience. Before that, I had been on Tech Crew/Stage Crew for a number of assemblies and events, and was a cast member in Our Town and Limelight X. I also attend plenty of school events, and volunteer for tons of them—KLASH, Rugby Rumble, Raider Camp, etc. 

What are a few things you hope to focus your campaign on?

As for my platform, I definitely want to make the 2025-2026 school year fun for everyone, especially by introducing more schoolwide activities that everyone here can truly participate in. I'm going to make everything I do during election week as fun as possible in the lead-up to voting day.

Why did you choose to run for Co-Prime?

I chose to run for Co-Prime because I have personally gotten so much out of this school, and part of that is due to the confidence and charisma shown by our past Co-Primes. Because of this, I want to give back to the community in the same way it gave to me, through a public figure that can make change and inspire people.

Are you prepared for the commitment of the Co-Prime role? Why?

I believe I am definitely prepared to take on the commitment of the role, although if I win, I won't know what the actual day-to-day feels like until I start, so I can't be 100% sure. I think I'm ready because of the great aid that staff and other students have given me throughout the process, giving advice and making sure that we feel supported in all we do. As well, the process of applying for Co-Prime and campaigning is tough for a reason, it's meant to test our grit and pressure test us, showing both staff and ourselves that we can succeed.

How/where are you involved in the school community?

I am involved in the school community through some of the clubs/sports I have participated in. I am obviously an active member of the Raidy Bunch, helping wherever I can, but I have also played football at KCI all three years I have been here. I am also a member of the Non-Profit and Education SHSM, which means I have Co-op. Though this SHSM and Co-op currently limit my time for many other clubs at lunch, it means I am part of a whole other community at the school.

What are a few things you hope to focus your campaign on?

I am hoping to base my campaign on building up our community to be the best it can be. Right now, KCI has a lot, but there are some gaps that need to be filled, like helping students achieve both academically and with sports at the same time or making spaces where people can socialize freely. This is what I will base my campaign on: filling these gaps and making sure everyone has ample time and space to be a member of our community.

Why did you choose to run for Co-Prime?

I would say that I chose to run for Co-Prime because I want to give Raiders the same positive high school experience that I have enjoyed so far! I saw the impact past Co-Primes have had on both myself and others, so that inspires me to advocate for other students, especially those who don’t usually have a voice! 

Are you prepared for the commitment of the Co-Prime role? Why?

Yes, and I believe all the candidates are equally as prepared, especially considering all the work we’ve put into preparing for Election Week! On a personal note, I’d say my experience as a student trustee candidate was an opportunity that helped inspire me to run for Co-Prime in the first place! I know that becoming a Co-Prime is a huge responsibility, as they represent the ONEKCI community as a whole! Of course, I don’t think anyone can truly be 100% prepared for the commitment until they step into the role. However, I will do my best to be an impactful leader within KCI, and I look forward to the amazing learning experiences I stand to gain from this opportunity. I also strive to work harder to become a better leader! 

How/where are you involved in the school community?

I found it easy to get involved with the various groups within our larger Raider community! Since grade nine, I have had an interest in exploring as many groups and meeting as many people as possible!  I’ve been involved in Raidy Bunch and Leadership, which has helped me learn more about my school community and myself in events like Semi Formal, Raider Camp, and CSLC! Because I’m more business-oriented, I am super involved in KCI DECA! As the VP of Marketing and Oral Events, I manage all the public relations of the club, help create new events (like Diamond Dash), and also help prepare members for our big competitions like Provincials! I’m also a big advocate for multiculturalism within communities, so I am a member of KCI’s African Heritage Club, and one of my favourite memories was MCing the Black Brilliance Assembly with guest speaker Kwame Osei! Additionally, I play clarinet in KCI’s Concert Band and Senior Wind ensemble, too! Last year, I helped co-MC the last semi-annual OSSIA concert. I am also in KCI’s student-run newspaper, The Edge. Throughout grades nine to eleven, I have tried to push past my comfort zone, so I have joined sports teams such as the KCI Swim Team and Cross Country! 

What are a few things you hope to focus your campaign on?

I would say that my overall campaign is based on ‘levelling the playing field’ of student success! I have met dozens of students around KCI, and by learning about their experiences as Raiders (what they enjoy and in which areas they would like to see improvement), I’ll make the upcoming year as fun as possible. I also hope to help Raiders overcome various obstacles that prevent success. Some of my ideas include bringing in charging stations around common areas of the school (think the Caf, main foyer, the library, etc) to combat the rising issue of dying Chromebooks or lost chargers around the school. Additionally, I hope to increase our KCI spirit with monthly caftivities! With the help of Raidy Bunch, it would also be a great way to help our junior students get more involved in leadership! Another promise on my platform would increase efficiency by introducing online booking systems to reserve study spaces like seminar rooms! 

That was just a bit of information about the Co-Prime candidates. For their campaign videos and more information about Election Week, join the voting Google Classroom with this code: ejnx5ct6