23rd March 2011 was a monumental day for The Bermuda High School as they held the first democratically run elections for student leaders in the long history of the school, chosing Nicholas Hall and Kristyn Dale to lead the school for the next three terms.The structure of leadership at BHS has undergone a transformation to better embody and take advantage of Round Square as it merges together the three previous systems of leadership: Student Society, the traditional Head Girl and Prefect system and the Round Square Committee into a single body.The Bermuda High School is a member of Round Square which is a global organisation that challenges students and encourages their personal growth through the embodiment of the IDEALS: Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership and Service.There are leadership positions available for each IDEAL and these pillar leader positions were available to Year 11. This new leadership body will be led by two Head Students from IB1 who will be supported by two Deputy Head Students from Year 11.The leadership positions will be held for the next three terms and therefore run until March of 2012 which then releases the leaders from their responsibilities in time for final exams.In giving the students the power to elect their own leaders the door for a thousand possibilities is opened. In the new system each pillar will have one representative from each year group and the days of ideas being sat on will be a thing of the past.The structure can allow for dynamic interaction between each pillar and provides a strong base for the students to bounce around ideas and construct real plans for initiatives and alterations to the existing school activitiesNine IB1 students ran for the position of Head Student and five Year 11s ran for the Deputy Head positions. A further five students ran for the positions of pillar leaders.The students running for positions of leadership were allowed to campaign in the week before the elections with posters, baked goodies and impromptu speeches in the halls.They then had the daunting task of preparing and giving a speech before sitting on a panel and being quizzed by the students. This historic event began with an inspiring speech given by US Consul Shelton on democracy and leadership.The election by secret ballot allows the students to have a real voice within the BHS community and effectively communicate to create the changes they wish to see.Katie Ewles illustrated the power of a room of students by asking the audience to scream as loud as they could; the deafening roar proved the point that the roomful of young people can make a difference.The students had a range of ideas from international dress days and salsa lessons to a student newsletter or website for better communication.Katie Ewles’ slogan of ‘What if...’ became truly thematic of the day where students were visibly excited by the new scenarios suggested by the prospective leaders.The students had a variety of reasons for running for the positions, but their appreciation of what Round Square can do shone through as did a feeling of wanting to give back to BHS and guide the way for future students. Those that had attended Round Square Conferences spoke passionately about their life changing experiences.They had all gained an international understanding in that teenagers across the world are much more similar than they had previously imagined and that in meeting those with different backgrounds it is possible to learn more about yourself.The spirit of the largely student-run and planned day was one of inspiration and enthusiasm.The students are excited for what the remainder of the academic year will bring under this new system where they are being given a definitive voice and opportunity to change the school.