The upper school student body elected Jonathan Cosgrove ’21 and Cleo Maloney ’21 as Head Prefects for the 2020-2021 school year May 7 following a runoff election between Chelsea Cho ’21 and Maloney.

Candidates for Head Prefect present speeches over Zoom

Due to limitations associated with COVID-19, candidates addressed the student body over Zoom via prerecorded speeches, following a brief introduction by current Head Prefects Grace Burton ’20 and Michael Lehrhoff ’20. Dean of Students Jordan Church presented the videos to students during the sophomore and junior class meetings May 5.

In their interviews, candidates gave personal statements and spoke about their plans regarding the new schedule and the challenges they expected to face while serving as Head Prefect. Several candidates also chose to reflect on their past experiences.

Maloney said she has struggled in the past with opening up to others but has since found strength in asking for help.

“What worries me is that I haven’t reached the top of my mountain yet,” Maloney said. “But I also know that I couldn’t have come this far without many of you there to catch my falls. I can’t promise that I’ll be a perfect Head Prefect, but I can promise that when I stumble on my way up that mountain, I will keep pushing forward like many of you have inspired me to do.”

Head Prefects express appreciation for their classmates

Next, candidates responded to an unprepared question about what their peers should consider when voting for Head Prefect.

Cosgrove, who has been involved in student leadership since eighth grade, said he believes students should look for a leader who will help them navigate the daily chaos of Harvard-Westlake.

“I appreciate this school, I appreciate you and I appreciate this opportunity you have given me,” Cosgrove said. “I am here because of you. There has been nothing at Harvard-Westlake that I have loved more or spent more time doing than being your representative. It has meant the world to me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the best five years of my life. Let me give back to you by being your Head Prefect.”

Maloney echoed Cosgrove’s sentiments, saying her love for the school community inspired her to run for Head Prefect.

“It’s really hard not being with all of you right now,” Maloney said. “I miss hearing you say ‘hi’ to me in the crowded Rugby hallways or walking with you to the parking lot or even borrowing an eraser from you in math class. That’s why I want to be Head Prefect. Because I love this community. Because we support each other when it’s challenging. Because when our [lives have] been turned upside down, we still stay right-side up, together.”