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Thursday, Mar 28, 2024

Students elect first-year senators, senior senator to Student Government

Karina Martir ’24 and Meg Farley ’24 emerged from a field of seven candidates as the two first-year Student Government Association (SGA) senators. The two victors, who ran together and publicly supported each other’s campaigns, are now dedicated to working together to facilitate connections and inclusion among first years. In the same election, Sabian Edouard ’21 — who ran unopposed — won the special senior senator election to fill a vacant spot. 

On Sept. 24 and 25, 269 first years voted for their class representatives with a turnout rate of 44.6%. Karina Martir and Meg Farley won with 26.4% and 18.4% of the vote respectively. Sabian Edouard won the senior senator election with an 11.5% voter turnout. 

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Karina Martir ‘24 is a newly elected first year senator. (Courtesy Photo)


Martir, from Los Angeles, is part of the South East Asian Society (SEAS). Her platform emphasizes community, school spirit, diversity and inclusion, self-love and the arts. At the top of her agenda is aiming to build connections between first years, despite the distance that Covid-19 has created. 

“We are very split between Battell/Allen and Stew/Hepburn kids. I want to bridge that gap, and the one with remote students,” Martir said in an interview with The Campus. She hopes to host virtual events and promote school spirit through events like a pajama day. 

Another of Martir’s policy goals is to support the arts on campus, including finding Covid-19 safe ways to share student art. “I would love to do some outdoor performances, like an open mic night,” Martir said.  

“I want people to know that I'm very approachable if you have questions or want to grab a meal, or have a music jam session,” Martir said. 

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Meg Farley ‘24 is a newly elected first year senator. (Courtesy Photo)


Meg Farley, from Illinois, is a member of Sunrise Middlebury and Interfaith Varsity. She is also on the college’s Environmental Council. Farley uses the acronym BRIDGES to consolidate her policies: Building community, Recognition, Inclusion, Diversity, Good eats, Environment, and Support and safety. 

Farley is passionate about promoting anti-racist initiatives. “Middlebury’s response to racial injustice has been completely inadequate and we need a lot of systemic change here,” Farley said. “I'm here to do the work and listen to the needs of the communities I represent,” she said, emphasizing the importance of listening to the experiences of BIPOC students. 

Farley also wants to promote effective composting and recycling policies and set up social gatherings for first-year students, where they can meet new people over dinners that occur twice a month. 

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Sabian Edouard ‘21 is a newly elected senior senator. (Courtesy Photo)


Sabian Edouard, from Chicago, also hopes to focus on inclusivity of marginalized groups and remote students through community-building initiatives.

“I’m ready to stop talking and start acting,” Edouard wrote in his official statement of interest. “As your Senior Senator, and as your peer, I will act as a committed initiator and avid supporter of work that needs to be done within and outside of Middlebury’s campus.”

Edouard hopes to develop an event called “Opening the Outdoors: A Day of Canoeing” to advocate for widespread accessibility to the outdoors. Like the newly elected first year senators, he is open to input from his peers.

“If there are any changes you want to be seen, let me know and I will do my best to make it happen,” Farley said. She told The Campus she wants to meet all of her peers and is on a quest to learn every first year’s name and pronouns.

After campaigning side by side, Farley and Martir are now ready to work together to accomplish their goals. “Back home I earned the reputation of someone who gets things done, and I'd love to earn it here,” Farley said. 

Edouard said that although it was unfortunate there were no other candidates on the ballot, he is still grateful to represent the senior class.  “I also think ballot options hold value for all voters. However, this doesn’t in any way change my commitment to doing the best job I can,” he said. “I appreciate those that did vote and hope that they continue to do so in the upcoming presidential election!”


Lily Jones

Lily Jones ’23 is an online editor and senior writer.

She previously served as a Senior News Writer and SGA Correspondent.

Jones is double majoring in Philosophy and Political Science. She  also is an intern for the Rohatyn Center for Global Affairs and on the  ultimate frisbee team.


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