The Legacy

Westside High
Tracy Brockerhoff
Leadership is defined in many different ways, or at least at Westside High School. Leaders come in many different shapes and sizes and in various packages. The chairperson at Westside is elected democratically by the learners of the school. They choose this person to represent the school and to lead them by example. The vice chairperson is the right hand of the chairperson. Westside is proud to say that their current chairperson and vice chairperson are specimens of independent, meticulous and amiable leaders, which many admire.
Cody Brockerhoff is the current chairperson and Elouise Ross represents the vice chairperson for 2016. I wanted to know how they manage to be such impeccable leaders and how they juggle their academics and LRC responsibilities. This is how they responded to the following questions:
1.Did you anticipate that you would get this position, or was it a total surprise? How did it change your mind-set


Cody - Without sounding cocky in any way, I would absolutely say yes. I know I was a good choice, not because I have the best leadership qualities, but because I outsmarted my opponents. Truthfully, it was no surprise and it changed the way I tackled challenges in school, so it changed my mind-set to an extent.


Elouise - Well, before the re-election of the new LRC's for 2016, our former chair person (Mario Dos Ramos) and I had a conversation. He earnestly told me that he regarded me as a potential vice chairperson, because of the exemplary qualities I portrayed. So, yes, it crossed my mind. I was determined to become the next vice chairperson of Westside High.


2.How would you describe the school in general?


Cody - I would describe the school and all its stakeholders with one word and that is “potential”. The learners have the potential to excel above their current level of achievement. They should just strive for greatness.


Elouise - Westside High is my second home and we are all a big family. I've been here since grade 1 and I must say, I get along well with all teachers and the principal. When it comes to the learners and discipline, it becomes challenging at times.


3.Do you enjoy your journey and does it make you face challenges or obstacles that you were scared of approaching?


Cody - I love every step of my journey. I have been the head prefect five years ago in grade 7. The only difference this year, is that I am older and the stakes are greater. Challenges and obstacles are inevitable, but it's the amount of time I sacrifice to keep up to standard that scares me.


Elouise - Yes, I do enjoy it. There are challenging times, but conquering those challenges are all worth it in the end. I face many obstacles, sometimes it comes unexpected and catches me off guard. We are just lucky to get the best advice and guidance from our LRC guardian, Mr Innes.


4.Would you advice other learners to take on the challenge of becoming an executive LRC member like yourself? Why or why not?


Cody - I would draw my conclusion based on either the person or the person's attitude towards authority, honesty, punctuality and respect.


Elouise - Yes, I would advise learners to cease the challenge, but only if they are willing to sacrifice everything for their school. If they are hardworking and also excel academically.