By Avery Walker, Copy Editor
The new posters that crop up on campus during the first few weeks of school can only mean one thing: it’s election season at Ouachita. Every year, several driven and talented freshmen run for various places on Ouachita’s Student Senate, from class president to Senator. Then, they are chosen by their peers to represent their class, a high honor and responsibility; they hold this position until May, when they will run for reelection for the following school year.
The Class of 2029 just elected its executives and representatives, with the results posted on September 5, 2025. Ally Ballard was elected class President, with Drew Dettmer as Vice President. The four new freshmen senators elected are Grace Atchley, Emily Claire Soileau, Margaret Catherine White and Audrey Harrell.
While the decision is ultimately left up to each class, the candidates for Senate had to work hard for their positions, taking part in a campaigning process that is exhausting yet exciting. Ally Ballard, a Biology major from Little Rock, Arkansas and newly-elected Freshmen Class President, described her experience campaigning: “It was an exciting week to say the least! Making posters and getting to collaborate with the other people running was fun.”
Ballard’s campaign process consisted primarily of building recognition among her peers through physical posters on campus and posts on social media. However, Ballard touched on one of the Senate members’ most important responsibilities through her campaign. “I got to meet so many new people throughout the [campaign] process and build relationships with them,” Ballard explained. In doing so, Ballard demonstrated an important aspect of Student Government: the ability to connect and build bonds with all students.
Drew Dettmer, Freshmen Vice President and computer science and cybersecurity major, had a similar campaign experience. “I loved getting to meet all my peers! The meet and greet especially was a ton of fun; [our class] is just a good community.”
Dettmer did not run simply to make friends, however. The cornerstone of his campaign was his goal of incorporating Artificial Intelligence in an appropriate manner on campus. “I really emphasized the role of AI in the classroom,” Dettmer said. “With the increase of AI, we need to learn how to use this new tool responsibly and ethically across all disciplines. One way we can do this is through the Education Technology Committee.”
The new Freshmen representatives are full of promise, to say the least. Senate President Ashley Dillman described her enthusiasm for the new senate members: “The freshmen impress me every single day! Myself, along with the rest of the Senate, were blown away by their campaigning efforts. They are kind, quick to give feedback, and go-getters! We are so excited to have them this year.”
Election week is not the end of the new Senate members’ role on campus. For the rest of the year, the Freshmen representatives will lead their class in school spirit, involvement on campus and in Ouachita traditions. With a full semester ahead of organizing fun events, helping out with Homecoming and setting an example for their classmates, the new representatives’ rewarding job has only begun.
