Clarendon Hills student gets early start in politics

Eileen Horton is an eighth-grade co-president of the Clarendon Hills Middle School Student Council. | Chuck Fieldman—Sun-Times Media

Updated: December 2, 2012 6:07AM

CLARENDON HILLS — Eileen Horton’s strategy worked out just fine when the Bears competed with the presidential candidates.

She wanted to watch both the final presidential debate and the Monday Night Football Oct. 22.

The 13-year-old Clarendon Hills resident used the cooperation of one of her four brothers to carry out her plan. She watched the debate with her mom, Susan, and her brother kept her updated on how the Bears were doing.

“There probably aren’t a lot of kids my age who are that interested in the debates, but I watched all of them; I loved it,” Eileen said.

Eileen ran for elected office for the first time in October, after deciding she wanted to be involved with Student Council at Clarendon Hills Middle School. She was elected as an eighth-grade co-president along with Brennen Novak.

“I was interested in Student Council before this year, but I didn’t think I would have the time because I was very busy with (competitive) swimming,” she said.

She now plays basketball and lacrosse, but swimming season has ended.

“I thought it would be fun to be involved because I like to plan, and I like speaking in front of people. I always want to help the school,” she said.

A major focus is planning events and activities of interest to all students.

“Last year, I pretty much kept to myself; a lot of people were mean,” she said. “That’s changed a lot this year because I found a group that was glad to have me included. I’d like to have a mix-it-up day when everyone sits together, so everyone feels included.”

While involvement in Student Council in most ways is different from sports, Eileen sees some similarities, too.

“It’s being involved and being a part of something,” she said. “

Meghan VanHoegarden, a CHMS teacher and co-sponsor of the Student Council, said Eileen is a great asset.

“She’s a great leader; she’s very bright and motivated,” VanHoegarden said. “She brings a lot of new ideas with her.”

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