On May 15, Ben Gelber and Sunehri Verma were elected School Life Council (SLC) Co-Presidents for the 2025–2026 school year. The Nobleman took the time to sit down with the two winners. We asked them 10 questions to help the student population get to know them better and understand their platforms for leadership.
What’s one fun fact about you?
Gelber: I have been able to recite all the U.S. presidents in order since the age of four.
Verma: I have an aunt who is a Bollywood actress and model.
Why did you want to be an SLC rep?
Gelber: I wanted to be an SLC rep because I really care about the Nobles community, and leadership has always been pretty important to me, and something I’ve really enjoyed. So getting the chance to put on events and activities and to really make sure everyone feels included in the grade is something that I think is very important.
Verma: I wanted to be an SLC rep because, coming into Nobles in seventh grade, I already knew a lot about the school through my brother, and he told me that I should maximize my sphere of influence, or the different groups that I take part in over my time at Nobles. So, I decided to make one of those groups SLC.
What’s your favorite Nobles memory?
Gelber: My favorite Nobles memory was probably this past Fools Fest. At the end, Ariel and his band were up there playing together, jamming out, and everybody was right outside on the beach, dancing and having fun. I think it really was peak Nobles community.
Verma: One of my favorite Nobles memories is probably doing the dance show every year. Especially this year, when I did a Bollywood dance. It was super cool because I was able to bring a part of my own culture into school.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Gelber: Teleportation. I think it would be really cool to get to places super quickly.
Verma: To teleport. I just want to be everywhere!
Who is your biggest role model?
Gelber: It’s gotta be my mom for her passion, support, and seeing her show up for not just me but all of her communities—being an active community member.
Verma: I think my biggest role model would probably be my older brother. Something I admire about him is his ability to rile up a crowd. He’s just a comedian, and he’s really good at talking to people. He wasn’t a captain of the cross-country team, but he was named an “honorary captain” because he was so good at rallying the team. I’ve always aspired to be that outgoing.
What’s the best Nobles lunch in your opinion?
Gelber: Revved up Mac and Cheese. It HAS to be REVVED UP!
Verma: Taco Bowls. I like to customize them.
What is your favorite SLC event and why?
Gelber: Again, I have to say Fools Fest. Having it on the Beach made it feel like a super small and intimate venue. The music was super fun, and I think it was just an enjoyable night for everyone.
Verma: I would definitely say the Three v. Three Basketball [Tournament]. I loved making the hype video this year, and it’s super cool that we get so much participation.
What’s one thing you are looking to approve upon or accomplish?
Gelber: I’m definitely looking to improve on assembly culture, and really trying to help people feel encouraged to go up and perform. But also, building a culture that’s not as dependent on really perfect performances, and allowing people who are maybe less talented in some respect, or still working on their talents, to be empowered to perform.
Verma: I really want to continue improving the events we have. I think the new Fools Fest was such a success. I want to bring in even more creative ideas, and I don’t want anything to fall flat.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind as president?
Gelber: I would say two things. Number one is being able to have a good balance between finding humor and also taking things seriously. I like to say I’m fun and funny; I really want to make sure everyone can have a good laugh at the right time, but also understand the serious things and [how to] handle them. My second thing is that I want to make sure everyone feels not just invited but truly included in community events, making sure everybody is able to feel like they have their own part at Nobles.
Verma: I want to be remembered as a person who was compassionate and had a lot of empathy. I also want to be remembered as someone who was really outgoing.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a younger SLC member or someone considering running?
Gelber: To someone who’s thinking of running for SLC, I would say 100%, just do it. Just put yourself out there. And whether you win or lose, there’s a lot that can be gained from it. You can really make yourself more known, and being brave will have an impact on your classmates. To someone who’s just [been] elected, I would say, really, be true to who you are. You’ve been elected by your peers for a reason, so use those qualities to improve the school lives of your friends.
Verma: For someone who’s just been elected to SLC, even if you’re an underclassman, try to get involved as much as you can with SLC and your grade. My advice to students who want to run is just to be kind to everyone. Be brave. Your grade won’t vote for you unless you really put yourself out there with all of them.
What was your hype song?
Gelber: There’s a song on YouTube called “Ben Gelber.”
Verma: I can’t give you a song, but it [would] be Brazilian funk.
