The 2025-26 school year is officially in swing, bringing in a new set of Panthers. Every year, ideas are introduced to Miami Palmetto Senior High through the freshman class board. As voices for the class of 2029, the board is tasked with establishing a great foundation for the next four years.
MPSH encourages students to participate beyond the classroom, aiming to create memories and opportunities for all. Each position on the board is pivotal because it assigns responsibilities that ensure success in reaching each class’s main goal: making the year memorable. This year’s class of 2029 board includes Kylie Leeds, Alexis Gettinger, Cooper Solomon, Zac Garson and Kaylina Turnbull.
President: Kylie Leeds
Leeds looks forward to continuing her role in student government, as she was the class’s vice president in middle school. She has many activities planned for this year, and cannot wait to begin executing them. Leeds was inspired to run for this position due to her desire to make an impact on her school’s community.
“I wanted to have a role that allows me to represent my class,” Leeds said.
She brings a variety of ideas to the table, such as developing a cohesive class spirit. She has high expectations for the class’s Panther Prowl performance this year, and highly anticipates her class’s victory.
Aside from school, Leeds plays soccer and enjoys reading. Being part of a team environment can translate into the work she will do at MPSH because she is familiar with a group setting and what it takes to execute a plan.
Vice President: Alexis Gettinger
Not only did Alexis run for her class board, but her brother, Tristan Gettinger, a senior at MPSH, has participated in Student Council for almost four years. He played a major role in sparking her interest in running for a board position.
Similarly, Alexis was the vice president of the National Junior Honor Society at Palmetto Middle School. This experience also contributed to her desire to run for office.
However, the balance between extracurriculars and school work can become extremely challenging for a freshman to manage.
“I think maintaining my time with sports and classwork will be a challenge, but I am excited to begin,” Alexis said.
Cooper Solomon: Secretary
Cooper Solomon feels optimistic about the future of the freshman class and what they will accomplish this upcoming school year. Solomon’s ultimate goal is to unite the class and bring about events that will surpass their expectations.
“I hope that we can have more fun events that can make the students more involved, especially some that maybe don’t want to be involved. It’s going to make [students] realize that you can have fun in school without just having education,” Solomon said.
Like Alexis, Solomon took part in student government in middle school as the president of the class. This opportunity has fueled Solomon’s drive to participate in MPSH’s governing body.
Zac Garson: Treasurer
Zac Garson feels extremely motivated and excited about what the class of 2029 will achieve throughout this school year.
Garson, who has previous experience with money and fundraising, felt serving as treasurer of his class was a perfect fit.
“I have had past experience with handling money and doing small little businesses and side hustles to make money, and I felt like treasurer was a good role for the past jobs I have had,” Garson said.
He, like his fellow board members, has many exciting ideas he hopes to implement during the year.
“I want to have money for fairs and fundraisers for our grade. I want to make hands-on activities that are not boring and that everyone is entertained and interested in doing,” Garson said.
Kaylina Turnbull: Treasurer
Additionally, the second class of 2029 treasurer, Kaylina Turnbull, feels there is a great deal of work to be done to raise money for the grade.
“I want to raise a lot of money and have a lot of fundraisers that people are excited and willing to participate in,” Turnbull said.
Experience is a large motivator in running for the class board positions, as Turnbull is also knowledgeable in the student government world. She was president of her middle school and also assisted her local high school’s student government during that time.
Juggling school and hobbies can be challenging, especially when one is spread across multiple different activities.
“I do a lot of sports. I do cheer, flag football, soccer, cross country and dance, so I don’t really have a lot of free time,” Turnbull said.
With the amount of experience these board members have, the class of 2029 is likely to succeed throughout their freshman year.
