With the 2024 election season, it is almost hard to escape all of the news coverage. Since winning the election in November, President Elect Donald Trump has been causing all sorts of buzz in the media over his surprising cabinet picks. The president’s cabinet is a group of their most trusted advisors who influence them on policy. Some roles in the cabinet include Attorney General, Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Defense, and more. From TV personalities to Wrestling executives, his nominees have been nothing short of unusual. All of this talk about the President’s advisors had me wondering, If JCHS had a cabinet, who would be in it? So, I have picked three JCHS teachers who I think would fit roles in the cabinet.
Secretary of Education: Mrs. Callaghan
To the shock of many, President Elect Trump has nominated Linda McMahon to serve as the head of the Department of Education. If her last name sounds familiar, that might be because she is married to Vince McMahon, owner of the WWE. Mrs. McMahon has been a staunch supporter of Trump’s campaign for years, so this appointment is likely a political favour to her, as thanks for her years of support and fundraising, even though she has no real teaching experience (Via the Guardian). This is a common practice in US politics known as the spoils system, where the winning party will reward its supporters with jobs in their new government. So, when considering who would be in our own cabinet, I chose Mrs. Callaghan. Callaghan has years of teaching experience at JCHS, as well as other high schools. She is currently the teacher who has worked here the longest. Mrs. Callaghan says she would “ensure that the government supported the rights and needs of all students regardless of any kind of differences.”
Secretary of Health: Mr. Huff
In another likely political favour, Mr. Trump has selected Robert Kennedy Jr. to head the department of Health and Human Services (Via CNN). This nomination has been met with a wave of controversy, as Kennedy has been dubbed a “conspiracy theorist” by many health professionals. So when selecting our imaginary cabinet, I decided to pick someone who has lots of experience in health and fitness. I think Mr. Huff would be the right person for this job. Huff has worked at JCHS for a number of years teaching Health and Physical Education. In addition, he also coaches our lacrosse team, and has led them to many successful seasons. “I would prioritize nutrition education, look into usage of chemicals in food, and prioritize mental health.” He says it is important to get people the treatment they need.
Environmental Protection Agency: Ms. Schecter
Trump has recently tapped Lee Zeldin, a former NY congressman to lead the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA. Zeldin has been promised to “ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions,” as well as “maintain the highest environmental standards” (Via NPR). At JCHS, we pride ourselves on maintaining a beautiful and healthy ecosystem. Anyone can see this by visiting our duck pond in the spring, or joining our dedicated Environmental Club. Mrs. Schecter has taught both regular and Advanced Placement Environmental Science, and is well-versed in how to protect the environment and maintain a sustainable lifestyle. Scheter says that she would create a system in the cafeteria “that better separates the food waste to be composted.” And “set up monthly clothing and item swaps” so that items can be recycled instead of discarded.
