Young leader has peers' respect

By LOGAN NEILL

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 11, 2001

Though she still exhibits a hint of awe at the significance of it all, there is no question Kiersten Breaux fits comfortably in the title of Chocachatti Elementary's micro society president.

Spend a few minutes with the easygoing 10-year-old and you realize why she was chosen this past spring over much older candidates to head Chocachatti's fledgling student government.

Her smile radiates a confidence that she has what it takes to be a leader. Add to that Kiersten's impeccable academic qualifications and you see why she was a popular choice in the school's presidential election.

"Being president of your school, it's pretty awesome when you think about it ," the fourth-grader said. "To me, it means people in your school respect you and look up to you. I try to remember that every day."

Despite being one of the youngest candidates, Kiersten's campaign in March concluded with a landslide victory that needed no recount. And while she lobbied hard for the first-, second- and third-grade vote, Kiersten was happy to learn that she had also garnered the confidence of upperclassmen.

"I guess I looked mature," she said with a laugh. "All through (the campaign) I tried hard to convince everyone that it didn't matter how old you are if you can do the job."

Although she took office in the final weeks of her third-grade year, Kiersten's duties mostly were ceremonial until school began again in the fall. Since then, she and her fellow officers have concentrated on carrying out the policies of the school's micro society structure, which allows students to operate their own miniature world of commerce and government.

"Kiersten has a very good grasp of how the micro society operates," said Norma Foote, Chocachatti's micro society adviser. "She understands the importance of the decorum involved."

Twice a month Kiersten and her fellow officers, Vice President Shauna Ferry, Secretary Felicia McCaffrey and Treasurer Aimee Cooper meet to discuss business and listen to proposals from student delegates.

Because meetings are held under Roberts Rules of Order, Kiersten said, "It took some getting used to, but that way everybody gets treated fairly."

Perhaps Kiersten's most important official duty will be to deliver a State of the Micro Society address before the student body. She says she'll have plenty to say about how great her school is.

"I think kids really think Chocachatti is a wonderful place to learn," she said. "A lot of it is because we have the best teachers in the world. They really care about kids. They make it fun to come to school."

NAME: Kiersten Breaux

AGE: 10

SCHOOL: Chocachatti Elementary

MOM: Christa Bartleski

FAVORITE SUBJECTS: reading

HOBBIES: soccer

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