Abe Perry ’26 and Lila Lunsford ’26 can still feel the moment they were named co-presidents. “I was thrilled,” Lunsford says. “What made me most excited was that I got to be with Abe.” Adds Perry, “I was like, ‘Wow, this place really cares about me.’” 

Perry was encouraged to run by trusted mentors like his advisor, Stephen Mufuka, and his mother, former English faculty member Dr. Martha Pitts. Lunsford, on the other hand, was initially hesitant.

“Co-president wasn’t on my agenda,” she admits. It was her father who shifted her perspective. “You love this school so much, you’re willing to do anything for it,” he reminded her. Her cousin, Charlie Lunsford ’24, a former co-president, also encouraged her.

Each says their school involvement helped prepare them for the role. Lunsford, a three-sport varsity athlete, understands the demands of balancing academics, athletics, and leadership. Perry’s diverse involvement, from theater to crew, gives him critical touch points across the community.

The duo also previously served on Form Council together. “We know each other’s [leadership] styles,” Perry says. “Lila’s more bubbly than me, and that helps when having conversations with adults.” 

The co-presidents say their approach to leadership will be “practical and heart-centered.” “It’s not what we want,” Perry says. “It’s what we’re doing for everyone else.” 

One of their first initiatives is to strengthen the “big sibling-little sibling” tradition, wherein new students are paired with returning students to navigate boarding life. They are strategizing ways to maintain the bond the entire school year to address a “troubling trend where connections fade due to busy schedules,” says Perry. 

Lunsford says mental health is another priority. “We want to open up conversations, especially on dorm, with how to approach self-care and tackle mental health,” she says. She also emphasizes sustaining positive energy throughout the year. “It’s important for our grade to have fun energy, because those younger than us will follow.”

Lunsford and Perry welcome healthy dialogue around their ideas. “We don’t want a bunch of ‘yes’-people,’” Perry says. “We want people to share their opinions.” 

The co-presidents’ favorite St. Andrew’s traditions reflect different personalities but a shared passion for community-building. Lunsford lights up about the Frosty Run. “Everyone’s just so excited to be back together,” she says. “I love the bus ride. We’re singing and people are taking photos [with a digital camera].” Perry champions the new Front Lawn spring party. “We never thought Mrs. [Kristin] Honsel would say ‘yes’ to a mechanical bull,” he says. “Everyone was out there, even people that usually aren’t outside.” 

Their advice to underclassmen comes from hard-earned experience. Lunsford emphasizes self- compassion. “Your 100 percent is going to look different every day,” she says. “Just make sure you’re giving your best effort.” Perry encourages exploration. “The school isn’t like any other school,” he says. “You could be an athlete who loves to act.”

As they consider the year ahead, the legacy they hope they leave centers on fostering genuine love for their school. “I want people to fall in love with this place as much as I have,” Lunsford says. 

“Let’s go to events,” Perry implores his peers. “Let’s go to volleyball. Let’s go outside. Let’s act like this place is special.”