» Hogwarts Student Staff Selections '82 - '83, Signups end July 15, decisions July 31

[Ismene Swift]

Full Name: Ismene Chastity Swift
Blood Status: Halfblood
Social Class: Middle
House: Hufflepuff
Position Applying For: Fifth Year Prefect, Female
Why are you suited for this position?

“My mother always taught me that it was impolite to talk overmuch about oneself, so I do hope you will forgive me for doing so. I believe that to be a prefect, one must have exemplary reputation and admirable academic success, and I do think that I have been fortunate enough to possess some of each.

Though I do know of other young ladies within my house amply suited for the role, I do believe myself to be worthy of consideration nonetheless. As the daughter of Letitia Swift, whose expectations I do hope that I live up to, I have been tutored in the laws of etiquette from a young age, and believe myself to be an excellent example of how one of my situation should behave. Given this, I feel that I serve as an excellent role model to the young ladies of this school, and have never hesitated to discuss such laws with those that show an interest, unfamiliar to me or no. I have ensured that my reputation mirrors that of my family (flawless) by ensuring my interactions with the opposite sex are monitored, by ensuring that I do not speak out of turn or act undesirably, and by ensuring that those I call “friends” have similar reputations, so that I may not be tainted by association. While I do not associate freely with those of questionable repute, I do try my best not to be unkind to them, as unabashed cruelty cannot replace the charity expected of any young lady—or prefect. While not wholly comfortable in their company, I will be have cordially towards them, particularly in the hopes I might lead them to a better path. I do worry at some of the young ladies wandering Hogwarts’ halls, particularly with the articles that have come out during the paper this year, and hope that, even if not selected prefect, my example will stem some of this atrocious behaviour in the coming years.

Academically, I will acknowledge that I am not the brightest of my peers, but I work hard to compensate for it. I have learned to prioritize, placing my studies ahead of more enjoyable pursuits, as I recognize that I am at Hogwarts first to learn. This hardworking tendency, I think, is reflective of my status as a Hufflepuff, and I hope for good grades to show those around me that hard work can be a substitute for inherent genius. In addition to working by myself, I have been known to work with my peers so that we might help one another to learn better, and I know that this is reflective of the more familial atmosphere of my house. Detentions are something foreign to me, and my class attendance has been flawless, with the exception of the time I spent in the hospital wing this spring. I know where my strengths lie and try my best to play to them, while working hard not to let my weaknesses overpower me.

Though I might not be the immediate thought when it comes to prefect selection, it should be remembered that all I am is a result of hard work and good characters, two traits to be commended in any individual, student representative or not. It is my belief that, as a prefect, I might lead by example, and I hope for the opportunity to do so.”

[Journal, for anyone ambitious enough to sift through it]

[Mariah Mohr]

Full Name: Mariah Margaery Mohr
Blood Status: Halfblood
Social Class: Upper
House: Ravenclaw
Position Applying For: Fifth Year Ravenclaw Prefect
Why are you suited for this position? "I reflect the motives of house Ravenclaw, in that I am, to put it bluntly, rather bright. My schoolwork has only been graded under an 'A' in my worst subject, Charms, and even that has steadily increased over the years. I believe my mark in the class for fourth year was an A, although one would have to consult with Miss Ollivander for a more accurate grading.

Like my elder brothers Edward and Donald, I am a social creature. I am confident and will not hesitate to take away points or give detentions to those who have earned such punishments. I have been to two detentions during my Hogwarts career, both in first year and both for fiddling with my wand in class. I have outgrown such childish behavior, but I have also learned how to correct poor behavior. I believe I will be able to get along well with other Prefects, which will be helpful for patrols.

When my father died, my grades and behavior did not suffer. I managed to keep my grieving away from the aspects of my life that a Prefect would have to maintain, and I believe rather optimistically that I would be able to handle any other such occurrence.

I would not disgrace my house or family by abusing my power, and I would try to do Hogwarts proud as a Prefect."

[Leopold Trelawney]

Full Name:Leopold Trelawney
Blood Status: Pureblood
Social Class: Lower
House: Gryffindor
Position Applying For: Head Boy
Why are you suited for this position?

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I came here today ready with a speech that was designed to make you forget about my opponents and instead draw your attention to my skills and intelligence and I was going to give that very speech until I realised that Head Boy doesn't have anything to do with how smart a person is or how talented they are. I'm sure that if it were about intelligence and talent then all the Head Boys would probably be Ravenclaws and genius's and since that is clearly not the case I decided to actually think about what a Head Boy is.

What do they do? Well the title itself implies that the person chosen is both a Head, and of course a boy. Granted that gender will never be an issue when it comes to determine which of my peers, or even I, am suitable I chose to focus on the what a Head can considered to be. The word Head implies leadership and spotlight - it comes with implied responsibilities and should be what both students, alumna, witches and wizards use as an example of what they expect Hogwarts to represent. In essence the Head Boy is seen as a representative of the school as a whole, along with the Head Girl of course.

I know if you look at me you probably don't see an ideal candidate for this and I'm not going to dance around the issue. I do not come from a well-established family, indeed I come from a lower-class family that has not been scandal-free in the past but this is an image I do wish to do away with as soon as possible. I ask you today to not judge me on the sins of my family and instead look at me as an individual and base your decision based on my own actions and behaviors. I have ambitions of rising above my family's reputation and leaving that life behind me. It is my goal and I suppose my most Slytherin-like trait. I am ambitious and I don't set my sights low, so I would like you to have that in mind while you consider my application. I intend to rise and if you look at all aspects of my life I am doing the very best I can to succeed which if you were to contact any of my teachers, or former employers (of which one is the Minister to whom I interned for this summer) you will be able to see clearly.

I have attended all my classes and my grades have never been any less then stellar even with the additional responsibilities of Prefect, a position that I earned and have held for the past two years, and the additional responsibility of Quidditch Captain in January, in a team I have been playing on since my second year. I have demonstrated with these added responsibilities that my grades do not suffer, in fact if I were to say anything about my grades I would conclude they do nothing but improve under the added tasks and pressures.

I believe I would be the ideal Head Boy not only because I have demonstrated a talent for flourishing under pressure, and not simply because I am not one to discriminate against any student (be it because of their gender, race, blood purity, class or house) and instead am likely to treat all fairly and equally whether it is in the administration of punishment (of which I have already portrayed as Prefect), or in the aid of their individual endeavours. It is just who I am, and what I do.

I believe I am a natural leader, and my circle of those that I consider to be my friends is wide and deep reaching across both year, class and house. I have been involved with many clubs, societies and extra-classes, not just Quidditch, as a first year through to when we stand now where I have demonstrated both my leadership abilities as well as my ability to act appropriate in a variety of social settings and in groups. I am responsible and try to embody the chivalric traits of my house as best I am able whether it is the need to be courteous to all, generous with my time and aid and brave where it is warranted.

If you look back on time at Hogwarts you can see that I am willing to put aside my own endeavours outside of Hogwarts to aid my fellow students, I will organise events for students, as well as aid students who require special attention. You can also see examples of my good behaviour, willingness to take the lead in lessons, concern about other students, chivalrous nature. As well as the ability to liase with teachers, aid in important investigations(to which end I eventually solved the mystery of Mary Holmes' murder) and help out fellow students. I am also capable of looking after troublesome students from other housesas well as Gryffindor students, and those who fall in neither of those categories.

Thank-you ladies and gentleman, I hope I have managed to convince you today of my eligibility to represent and lead the school as Head Boy. I hope you are able to see my virtues and see me as an eligible candidate for Head Boy.