NOT one, but two members of the Jamaica Observer’s teenAGE writers club — Aldane Walters and Louis Davis — have risen to the top tier of student leadership at Wolmer’s Boys’ for the 2015-2016 school year.

Walters is head boy and Davis is one of two deputies. We introduce our new feature on head boys/girls of secondary schools with them.

The other deputy head boy is Keanu Solan.

Aldane Walters

DOB: September 14, 1997

C&E: You’ve been selected head boy of Wolmer’s. What was your reaction to the announcement?

AW: More work again! Lol. Of course I was happy. I tried not to smile too broadly. I felt blessed.

C&E: We’re sure the competition was stiff. Did you expect to be selected?

AW: From first form, people have been telling me that I will be Wolmer’s head boy some day. So, knowing that and having faith in my abilities and what I had presented of myself in the interview, I was confident. However, there was never a point before that announcement that I was sure. All six candidates brought something unique to the table and would’ve made suitable head boys. Needless to say, they were chosen as a part of my senior prefect cabinet — supervisors in charge of other prefects in various departments such as each year group, canteen, patrolling and the gate and late students disciplinary system.

C&E: Did you always aspire to the post?

AW: Probably in lower school. As I moved up in forms and got involved in the plethora of school activities (press club president, editor/layout designer; debating society captain and president, volleyball team vice-president, Jamaica Observer writing, and recently, culinary club president, plus my regular prefect duties) it became less important. In the latter stages I think other people (teachers students et al) wanted it more for me than I did for myself.

C&E: You could have declined the nomination. What made you accept?

AW: I accepted the nomination because I have been contributing to the Wolmer’s community in terms of service since first form, so this would be a great chance to serve the school on a broader scale and in a more meaningful way. Plus, to have your name in Wolmer’s history and history in general as head boy of Wolmer’s Boys’ School, who wouldn’t want that?!

C&E: Describe, briefly, the selection process.

AW: We were nominated by the outgoing head boy and prefect body, as well as teachers. The administration, through a secret ballot, determines the shortlisted six. We were then interviewed by a panel consisting of the prinicipal, the two vice-principals, the year group supervisor and her assistant, and the outgoing head boy. The teachers voted openly at a general staff meeting.

C&E: What are the duties of head boy?

AW: I am in charge of organising the prefect body to operate for the year (with the help of the cabinet), coordinating and supervising the activities of the prefect body — the body that helps to maintain general discipline and order in the school. I represent the administration so I represent when they cannot attend an event, even to take charge and ensure that it runs smoothly. I am on call at all official school events to organise and coordinate prefects to assist in any way possible, from marshalling to being a part of the programme.

C&E: What qualities do you bring to the post?

AW: I bring humility, inclusivenss, great reasoning ability, tact, years of leadership experience, willingness to learn from others, confidence, good decision-making skills, respect for people, godliness, and a belief in humanity.

C&E: What do you intend to achieve as head boy? What will Aldane Walters’ legacy be?

AW: I honestly don’t know what specifically I will do yet. But as long as I am able to incite meaningful change, leave Wolmer’s better than I saw it, I am happy. My team and I, that is, because nothing can be accomplished without my team.

C&E: Describe your leadership style.

AW: Inclusive and willing to learn. I depend on and trust my team, but I will not sign off on anything until it makes sense to me.

C&E: What is your vision for Wolmer’s Boys’?

AW: To see Wolmer’s as the top school in the island. We are already the top boys’ school. I wish for all our students to embody the concept of the total man that we stand for, using our core values, excellence, ethics, spirituality and discipline to guide us.

C&E: How long have you been writing for teenAGE?

AW: Four years. Since I was in fourth form.

C&E: What positions have you held in the club and what areas do you write for?

AW: I am the newly elected vice-president. I have written for most sections but I mostly do entertainment and news. I am honorary fashion writer… Let’s just say I speak more fashion than I write.

C&E: How would you say membership in TeenAGE and the Observer experience prepared you for leadership at this level?

AW: Having to work with people of different personalities and backgrounds helped me to be tolerant and inclusive. I have learned to be responsible because of deadlines I have to meet, but perhaps the greatest thing I have learned from teenAGE is planning and organisation.

I am also a Career & Education writer, which taught me to be on time (though I admit I’m still working on that), and it has improved my writing skills. I also learned to be a good boss from how my editor relates to me.

Louis Davis

DOB: April 17, 1997

Awards: The top-performing Jamaican student in CSEC economics in 2014

C&E: How long have you been writing for teenAGE?

LD: About three years now. Aldane was actually the one who invited me when I was in fifth form and I have been writing ever since.

C&E: What positions have you held in the club and what areas do you write for?

LD: Earlier this year I acted as treasurer, but now I am the newly elected lifestyle coordinator. I write mainly entertainment and lifestyle pieces, with the occasional sport article.

C&E: How would you say membership in teenAGE and the Observer experience prepared you for leadership at this level?

LD: It has played a great role in my development. It has made me more responsible, knowing that I have to produce an article every week that has to be up to a certain standard in order to be published and it has improved my quality of work for both teenAGE and school. Also, having to work with a diverse group of young people every week has taught me how to manage and deal with different personalities and most importantly, how to conduct myself in a work environment and express myself in such a way that my stance is clearly known and heard.