Unapproachable Horizon

Chapter 4: Leadership and Plans

Three weeks into the school year, Springwood High’s Class 11-A held its election for classroom officers. As usual, Zavierra Nikolaev was a clear favorite for president. Her track record of flawless leadership over the years made her the natural choice.

When the votes were counted, Zavierra was once again elected as president, much to no one’s surprise. She accepted the role with her usual grace, though the weight of responsibility was something she had long grown accustomed to.

Kaelion Vance, nominated for president as well, raised a hand to decline.

“I’d rather not,” he said, his tone sharp but laced with his characteristic charm. “I think Zavierra’s the best choice, and I’d rather back her up as vice president.”

The class, slightly intimidated but appreciative of his reasoning, unanimously voted him in as vice president.

Alisha was nominated for president too, but her campaign didn’t gain traction. Instead, she was voted in as secretary—a role she took on with her usual enthusiasm.

Arabella Sterlin, with her polished air and ever-present designer accessories, was elected treasurer. “She’ll probably manage our funds like a CEO,” one classmate joked, earning a soft laugh from the room.

Aiden Anderson, much to his surprise, was nominated and elected as one of the Public Information Officers (PIO). His quiet demeanor made the class curious about how he’d handle the role, but Aiden accepted with a shy smile.

The newly elected officers gathered after class for their first meeting. Zavierra, notebook in hand, led the discussion with her usual meticulousness.

“We need to start planning for upcoming events,” she said, her pen poised over the page. “The first major one is English Day. It’s an important school-wide event, and we’ll need to encourage participation from our class.”

Kael leaned forward slightly, his sharp eyes scanning the group. “English Day has competitions like quiz bees, article writing, and photojournalism. But the big draw is the Literary Character Contest. It’s the highlight of the event, and the winner gets a cash prize.”

“That prize could go toward our class funds,” Arabella pointed out.

“Exactly,” Kael agreed.

“We’ll announce it to the class tomorrow,” Zavierra said, writing down their plans.

The next day, the officers stood at the front of the classroom to relay their agenda.

“For English Day,” Zavierra began, “we encourage everyone to participate in at least one competition. It’s a chance to showcase your talents and contribute to our class’s success.”

Kael took over smoothly. “The Literary Character Contest is especially important. The winner gets a cash prize, and that could go directly into our class funds.”

“Let’s nominate someone!” a voice piped up from the back of the room.

Before anyone could react, a boy named Liam stood up, grinning. “I nominate Zavierra! She’d make the perfect character.”

The class erupted in murmurs of agreement, with several nodding and smiling at the suggestion.

Zavierra raised her hand to silence the room, her tone calm but firm. “I appreciate the thought, but I can’t participate.”

“Why not?” Liam asked, looking genuinely puzzled.

Zavierra explained, “The Gazette is organizing the event, and as a member, I’ll be busy coordinating it. It wouldn’t be fair for me to compete.”

“Oh,” Liam muttered, sitting back down, his face slightly pink with embarrassment.

Kael smirked, taking the moment to add, “Let’s open the floor for other nominations. Remember, this is about representing our class.”

After discussing English Day, Zavierra shifted the focus to their long-term plans.

“Kael and I talked about setting up a weekly due,” she began. “It’s ten dollars per student. The money will help fund our activities, and if everyone agrees, we could use it for something fun at the end of the school year.”

“A beach getaway!” Kael added, his sharp tone softening with enthusiasm.

The idea was met with immediate approval.

“Ten dollars a week isn’t bad,” Arabella chimed in. “We’ll have more than enough for a great trip by the end of the year.”

The class buzzed with excitement, already imagining the warm sand and cool waves.

As the meeting wrapped up, Zavierra glanced at her notebook, her mind running through the plans she had meticulously laid out. Yet, as her classmates chattered happily about the future, a small unease settled in her chest.