At Merishaw School, elections are more than the process of choosing prefects. They are an opportunity to teach students what leadership means and to give them the experience of earning the trust of those they will serve.
The journey to the 2026–2027 Students’ Council began with a structured electoral process. Candidates developed their manifestos, presented their ideas, campaigned, and engaged their fellow students, challenging them to make informed choices about who they believed could lead them.
But the election was not the end of the process. A period was set aside for any appeals or complaints to be raised and addressed. Only after the process was confirmed to be clear was the newly elected leadership formally cleared to assume office.
On Friday, 4th September 2026, that journey reached its defining moment. The school came alive with pomp and colour as the newly elected leadership arrived for the swearing-in ceremony.
The President, Vice President and Prime Minister made a grand entrance in a G-Wagon, receiving greetings from delegates before proceeding to the ceremony.
Instruments of Leadership and Closing Celebrations
They were then presented with the instruments of leadership; including the Students’ Code of Conduct, School Rules and Regulations, Students’ Council Constitution and Students’ Council Code of Conduct.
A reminder that a shepherd does not simply stand before the flock, but watches over it. The President, Vice President and Prime Minister also received their official badges and ceremonial sashes, marking their transition from candidates to office bearers.
The ceremony concluded not simply with celebration, but with fellowship, as the new leadership was hosted for a special dinner, allowing them to begin their term together, not only as elected representatives, but as a team.
Leadership is not about being chosen. It is about becoming worthy of the trust that comes with being chosen.
