top of page

Our Local Democratic Candidates!

Ella Thompson for Norwin School Director: A Vision for Our Students

& Community

Community is built through connection, service, and collaboration—and that’s what drives me. I believe in bringing people together to create meaningful change, whether through advocacy, hands-on projects, or the arts. I’ve organized for community organizations, facilitating stakeholder outreach and event planning to foster shared spaces that benefit everyone. As a member of a community choir, I know the power of working in harmony—both musically and socially. My hands-on experience in these cooperative efforts has given me a deep understanding of how different parts of a community function and thrive, and I’m committed to using that perspective to support Norwin’s students and families. 

With a bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture from Chatham University and a master’s in Production Design from the American Film Institute, I bring a unique perspective to education. My background in visual design allows me to think about educational spaces in a practical and holistic way—ensuring that our students have an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and success, while considering fiscal responsibility. Education is a matter of bipartisanship, and that is why I am a cross-filed candidate.

At the core of my campaign is a simple but powerful belief: Every student deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive. To build a strong future for our school district and our community, we must listen to all key stakeholders- community members, subject matter experts, students, teachers and administrators. Together, we can create an educational experience that prepares students for the real world while strengthening the bonds of our community.

I am ready to work for Norwin. Let’s move forward together.

Vote Ella Thompson for Norwin School Director.

thumbnail_IMG_2537.jpg

Meet Irwin Council Candidate Cody Karch

My name is Cody Karch. I was raised in the country by working-class parents, near Butler, PA. I received two bachelors degrees, in Philosophy and English, from the University of Pittsburgh. In college, I met my wife and we started living in Irwin about 2019. We have four cats and a young German shepherd. I’ve always been proactive volunteering in many nature and government-focused groups, but we embraced a new challenge with our first child, Rowan, in 2024. For about five years, I have been a mental counselor for severely-mentally ill persons. With the future on my mind, many labors pressuring my family and friends daily, and knowing the history of our county, I have found a deeper inspiration to not only sustain our local elections, but take a stronger role as council-member of my neighborhood. I want to strengthen the local connections, keep the stability, and offer more voices against unjust beliefs. 
       CodyK4Irwin@proton.me 

thumbnail_IMG_0064.jpg
bottom of page