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rickles of excitement slithered from Sruli’s shoulders all the way down to his toes. This was the year he had been waiting for! In Mr. Matzbia’s class real elections were held for class president. Ever since watching his older brother in that role a few years ago Sruli had dreamed of stepping into that job when his turn came around. Would his classmates call him “Mr. President”? The possibilities for making changes were so very exciting! He could hardly wait to share his ideas with his friends.

“We are about to launch this year’s presidential campaign” Mr. Matzbia announced. “As you know boys the president acts as a liaison a connecting person between students and faculty. Sometimes that makes it easier for students to have their needs met. And I am very pleased to introduce our two outstanding candidates.”

Sruli held his breath. He knew candidates were chosen based on being honors students. And he was trying so hard this year! Would he get his chance?

“Sruli Turner and Nesanel Epstein.”

Sixteen heads swiveled towards Sruli and Nesanel who were wearing matching earsplitting grins.

“Good luck to both of you” Mr. Matzbia said. “And mazel tov!”

I have to win! Sruli thought his heart doing a wild dance. I just have to!

“So” Sruli said turning to his best friend Aryeh at recess “will you help me with my election campaign? There’s so much to do! Designing posters preparing my speech I don’t know where to start!”

“C’mon what are friends for?” Aryeh retorted. “How about today after school? My place or yours?”

With a plan in place Sruli felt better. And once they were sitting in his room equipped with notebooks pens and a large bowl of chips between them he felt better still.

“So” Aryeh wanted to know “what are your ideas for how to help our class? Let’s hear Mr. President.”

A light blush crept up Sruli’s cheeks.

“Well for starters I would like to take away all homework on days before tests. And make sure we only have one test a week. And let’s see ” Sruli continued a determined glint in his eyes. “Longer recess amazing activities when we have a siyum color war a choir…”

“Whoa!” Aryeh put up a hand his pen racing across the page to keep up with Sruli’s flow. “These are great. Just let me catch up.”

After weeks of walking around making campaign pledges and hanging up bold colorful posters Election Day arrived. Mr. Matzbia led the way to the auditorium gesturing for the two presidential candidates to mount the stage while the other students sat down in the first few rows.

“Today is a special occasion” Mr. Matzbia began. “All of you worked really hard helping your candidate. But we know that only one boy can win. Before we hear their speeches and cast our votes please understand that you have all done an outstanding job and that both of our candidates are fantastic. Every one of you is a winner and I am proud of all of you.”