Tilden SMOB Election Thoughts

The SMOB election in Montgomery county has caused a disagreement among the students at Tilden. The SMOB election is a crucial vote within Mongomery County. The election is meant for secondary students and above students to decide who represents them in the MCPS board of education. Over 50,000 students voted in this year's election, with the candidates being Arvin Kim and Baba Clisse. With voting taking place on April 20th, 2022. On the same day, Montgomery County later announced Arvin Kim's winning of SMOB with a difference of 17.9%. After this news was announced, some students at Tilden were hurt and devastated. The win of Arvin has caused students to reflect on their votes for how Arvin is to be supporting the choice of officers in the school.

I know from fellow peers of mine how this can be disturbing and quite unsettling. People have also been making accusations about the election being based on race. Tilden students on Snapchat have posted their stories about this election being "rigged" and "unfair." Students across MCPS have reached out to Baba with their opinions and feelings on this loss. That day, Baba posted on his Instagram story about how the loss would not stop him from keeping on fighting and striving. Students have also seen that Arvin won because of his voice for mental health days off. Many students see that as not happening and Baba being a better candidate. Baba had made his voice about all people of different backgrounds being treated equally. Now to hear from a Tilden student and supporter of Baba Clisse, Iza Giesbrecht said "I just wanted to thank Baba for putting so much effort into this. Many people were inspired by him and so happy to see him in the schools. Baba biking to every school in Mcps, showing how much he cared and wanted to help the environment, was inspiring." Many students feel the same way. The election news has died down, but it is still sad to students to see that Baba is not the one representing their concerns and causes.

By: Grace Harrington