BRIGHTON — The short election season is officially over at Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School. After a two-week campaign, ballots were cast and counted Sept. 16. A new chairman and student council were sworn in during a ceremony in the school gymnasium Sept. 22.

Chairman Heath Lawrence leads a council comprised of representatives from each grade level. It’s a responsibility he doesn’t take lightly.

“I ran so I could set a good example for all the students,” said the eighth-grader. “I was the seventh grade representative last year and people looked up to me.”

Heath likes to examine issues carefully so he can be prepared to do what needs to be done. His platform called for a longer lunch period for the eighth grade due to the crowded conditions in the lunchroom.

“I will also try to get more recess or activity time for everyone,” he said. “It will get more blood flowing and help us learn.”

Heath enjoys math and science. He has been taking piano lessons for about a year and a half. His hobby is learning.

“It’s something I like to do every day,” he said.

The newly minted politician hopes to someday parlay this victory into a much larger role as Tribal Chairman. In the meantime, he plans to continue to excel in math, attend Moore Haven High School and eventually earn a doctorate degree.

“I feel like an open book,” he said. “People know me.”
2016-17 PECS Student Council
Chairman – Heath Lawrence
Kindergarten – Jenna Huff
First Grade – Braylen Thomas
Second Grade – Brody Riley
Third Grade – JB Anderson
Fourth Grade – Candice Melton
Fifth Grade – Sydney Matthews
Sixth Grade – Winnie Gopher
Seventh Grade – Mariah Billie
Eighth Grade – Caylie Huff