Junior class offices will be contested by the following candidates. Samuel Mark, Kate McAward, Raymond Veselik, and Payton Wulf are running for president; Nick Baxter, Jack Betz, and Alice Stockwell are running for vice president; Beatrix McClarren is running unopposed for secretary. Below are the views of the candidates explaining why they wish to be elected, how they can contribute as a leader, and what the challenges are facing the school. Elections will be held on Thursday May 15th and Friday May 16th.
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Samuel Mark
Why do you wish to be an elected member of Student Government?
I wish to be elected as the junior class president because I am experienced and am dedicated to serving my classmates. Having served as the sophomore class president I know what responsibilities come with the position such as planning dances and leading discussions. I can provide a voice for students during meetings as I am in multiple extracurricular activities such as theater, track, and cross country. Not only do I participate but I also support my peers by cheering them on at their own events. Through these activities I interact with a wide variety of people and can represent this class’ voice.
What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to student leadership at SJHS?
Someone who is in the role of president should be willing to listen, lead, and collaborate.
The president must listen to their peers so as to best represent the class when participating in the monthly PAC meetings that are held with Principal Kennedy and when making decisions during full student government meetings. I am involved in a variety of sports and other activities such as track and the spring musical so I hear about the many problems that students face and can help bring up those problems during PAC meetings so that people can have an easier high school experience. The junior president should also have strong leadership skills to conduct meetings with the representatives when planning events such as midwinter and prom. I have experience overseeing planning of these types of events as it was the Sophomore class’s responsibility to plan homecoming, and I headed meetings about spirit weeks and dress down day decisions. Finally the president should be able to collaborate not only with their fellow officers and representatives but with the class. I always do my best as to cooperate with my classmates even when in disagreements I put my differences aside to work towards the best outcome.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today? How will you help the student face these challenges?
One of the biggest challenges facing junior students is a lack of spirit and connection. There are many events that provide opportunities for students to come together as a school and support each other, such as football games, but there has been a decline in attendance. I would work towards ways to help build spirit by helping with BOTC and pushing for possible outside lunches during the 4th quarter. Spirit is an important part of how we work together both in and outside of school. I feel that by building a connection with each other is a great way to improve the Saint Joe community.
Kate McAward
Why do you wish to be an elected member of Student Government?
I wish to be elected as the junior class president because I am committed to making the school environment a more positive and inclusive place. As I part of our school community, I believe that each student deserves to have a voice that is heard and respected and through Student Government, I will work to make sure that every voice is heard. I see Student Government as an opportunity, not only to represent my classmates, but also to grow my own skills as a leader and a listener. I have enjoyed being a leading various endeavors throughout my time as Saint Joe and being re-elected next year would be a perfect chance for me to continue to serve my class. I am a proud member of Saint Joe and I hope to be a person that contributes positively to our school as a whole. Being a part of Student Government for Saint Joe would truly be an honor as it would enable me to make a positive difference at our school creating a place where each person feels loved, respected, and heard.
What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to student leadership at SJHS?
As a class officer, I intend to use my office as a tool to make a difference here at school. I believe that the most important thing that we can accomplish to better our school is to strive to spread faith and positivity in everything that we do. I believe that as a student leader, it is my responsibility to ensure that, in our Catholic school, we hold faith at the center of everything. Beyond just in theology classes, I will work on making our school more united through our devotion to the faith. Positivity is also a crucial part of what it means to be a student leader. It is our job to set the tone for our classmates on how we should act toward everyone we come into contact with. I believe that if I were to get elected I could emphasize this responsibility even more, making our school a place where each person feels welcomed and loved as a valued member of the community. I believe that the role of a student leader should be focused on serving the community around them which is exactly what I intend to do.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today? How will you help the student face these challenges?
I think that the biggest challenge facing students right now is the lack of balance that many have regarding school and life. In my own experience, school can be a place that I dread because of the toll it takes on my mental health. Schoolwork, extracurriculars, and simply existing can get very overwhelming very fast. Many of the students that experience this end up feeling defeated and unmotivated to continue achieving their goals. As a student leader, I will work to reverse this narrative and promote balance in the lives of every student. I will work to spread awareness about mental health and the challenges that many students face. I will also spread information and resources that promote healthy habits and help any student struggling. Most importantly, I will listen to the thoughts, concerns, and ideas of my peers order to create a more productive and inclusive school environment.
Raymond Veselik
Why do you wish to be an elected member of Student Government?
I wish to be a member of Student Government because I believe that my previous leadership experiences will help Saint Joe to reach higher. One of my past leadership positions was as the Sophomore Class Vice President. This experience has helped me learn a lot about how I can truly make a difference in our school. Many people believe that school student governments can’t get anything accomplished because they are mainly comprised of students with no voice, but with the right leaders who aren’t afraid to speak up for what they believe in changes can be made. As Junior Class President I will be confident bringing up ideas and recommendations that I have as well as what you have. I will make it my job to do everything that I can to make school a more exciting, less stressful, and welcoming environment to all students.
What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to student leadership at SJHS?
I believe the role of an officer at Saint Joe should be someone who connects with many classmates, is dedicated to the well being of each and every student, and is not afraid to let their voice be heard. During my time at Saint Joe, I have participated in many extra-curricular activities including football, and student government which have allowed me to build relationships with many classmates. Doing this has helped me to hear thoughts about our school from people with different ideas and varying perspectives. I’m also a good student dedicated to working hard both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. I will contribute this same dedicated and hard working mentality to student government if I get elected president. My past leadership roles of Vice President of the Sophomore class and holding leadership positions in Scouts of America (an organization dedicated to creating future leaders and role models for our world) have taught how to lead by example. My past of dedicated leadership in student government and scouting will allow me to contribute great student leadership to the Saint Joseph High School community.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today? How will you help the student face these challenges?
The biggest challenges facing students at our school today are poor communication of school events, and between student government and the student body as a whole. As president, I will work to improve communication about times of school events including dress down days and sports games by having multiple forms of communication to help the information reach all students. Doing this would help students know when events are and boost school spirit which has been a large priority by student government this year. I want to send out monthly communication about the ideas being brought up at P.A.C (Principals Advisory Council) meetings to all students to let them know that their ideas are truly being heard. This would allow more students to contribute their valuable input to student and adult leaders at our school in order to help Saint Joe reach higher. As President it is not only my job to bring up my ideas at P.A.C. meetings, but to bring up your ideas as well. I will make sure that you will have a voice and that your ideas will be heard. Vote Raymond Veselik for Junior Class President to help Saint Joe Reach Higher!
Payton Wulf
Why do you wish to be an elected member of Student Government?
I wish to be an elected member of student government because I want to serve my peers, by bringing people together. I would like to be able to use my voice to advocate for all comments my classmates have to the improve the student experience at St. Joe. High school is an amazing time in our lives, and I want to be sure that St. Joe lives up to these expectations. I am passionate about all clubs and teams at St. Joe and I would love to be able to bring our students together to share in the experience of these formative high school years. If elected, I want to make our school a more comfortable environment for us all.
What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to student leadership at SJHS?
An officer in student government should lead by example. They should be a model for all attributes that our school teaches. They also should do their best in making St. Joe a better place. If elected, I see myself contributing to increased school spirit. St. Joe has so many amazing sports and clubs, and I would like to use my standing in the SAAC committee to help encourage better sports attendance and school spirit. Same goes for our amazing theater program as well as band and orchestra. St. Joe is a place dedicated to serving God, and what better way to do that than serving each other. Being there for one another. Backing the pack.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today? How will you help the student face these challenges?
School can be difficult. Especially going into junior year. For many, this is the first round of APs and standardized tests. Academic stress and pressure is a real thing. I know that I experience this, and I know many of you do too. To help students face this challenge, I would like to propose optional class study sessions, especially for AP tests. I will keep my class encouraged, and I will help them overcome and achieve great things. Helping each other, we can accomplish more.
VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Nick Baxter
Why do you wish to be an elected member of Student Government?
I want to be our Junior Class Vice President because I truly want to help. I want to help make a difference for our student body. I want to help planning the dances. And I want to help make Junior year as fun and happy as it can be. I think through the student governments work we can do so much to improve the school year. I can’t wait for Junior year and I want it to be a year we’ll remember fondly.
What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to student leadership at SJHS?
I think an officer should be an example of how to act to the student body. I think they should follow the rules and lead through example and show how to properly act at St Joe. I think all officers and representatives should all act with the knowledge that they are representing the student body and shouldn’t do something that the student body would disprove of. I think I could lead through example. As everyone who knows me(and most who don’t) know I am a very loud character. I think I could use that volume and the fact that I bring attention to myself to act as all students should and be an example to the entirety of the St Joe student body.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today? How will you help the student face these challenges?
I think the biggest problems facing students at our school today is feeling helpless. Kids feel like studying is helping and something is impossible to learn. Athletes have barely a dozen students come to their game and they feel helpless and that no one cares. Students disagree with the way St Joe does something and they feel hopeless and like they don’t have a voice. I can be that voice. I will help to get more people to go to sports. I will listen to your complaints. I will speak for you. Vote Nick Baxter for your Vice, Your Voice.
Jack Betz
Why do you wish to be an elected member of Student Government?
I wish to be elected as a member of Student Government for the junior class so that I may act as the best mediator between the junior class and Saint Joseph leadership. I have been elected to be representative of student government in the past, and feel like I can contribute more in this elected position. As a representative in the past, I felt like my scope of ideas which I’d voice to the other participants in student government couldn’t be heard to the extent I’d hoped. With the elected position of Vice President of my junior class, I believe these ideas I wished to share previously along with new ideas will be heard and considered.
What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to student leadership at SJHS?
I believe that the role of an officer or representative should have the primary objective in mind of keeping the student voices heard. Finding the key discussion points among an officer/representative’s class should always be a top priority, which I will pursue in an executive position if elected. I could see myself contributing to student leadership at Saint Joe through polls and forms sent out to the Junior class of 2025-2026, from which I would take those results and giving providing those students’ thoughts to the others in the Saint Joe leadership. In this area I believe that I could contribute these ideas effectively.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today? How will you help the student face these challenges?
I believe the biggest challenges that face our school involves image. The idea of image comes seeing the way that others look and act and changing yourself to fit these types of cliques. Some of the ways that I will work to improve upon this challenge here at St. Joe is through more interactive social grouping. This will bring together the St. Joe community and build a family, one of our four core values.
Alice Stockwell
Why do you wish to be an elected member of Student Government?
I want to be an elected member of Student Government because I see firsthand the challenges that the class of 2027 is facing. I’ve noticed how the school-to-life balance feels off, the lack of spirit among students, and the need for proper representation when it comes to dress code policies. I’ve seen how our school spirit has faded during events like pep rallies and football games, and I’ve witnessed friends struggling to maintain their balance between schoolwork and personal life. These moments highlight the need for change. As a member of Student Government, I plan to propose my ideas such as having more student engagement activities and creating stress-relief programs during high-pressure times like finals week. We’re working hard, and while this prepares us for our futures, it can be overwhelming in the present. I believe I can help others to understand our concerns and encourage greater support for our well-being.
What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to student leadership at SJHS?
I believe that the role of an officer at Saint Joe should look like someone who is willing to stand up for others but also takes charge in challenging times. I see myself as a strong candidate through my genuine desire to help others. I am always here to assist a friend or classmate, doing whatever it takes to make something easier for them. This quality reflects my potential to be an effective officer. I am committed to listening to the opinions of others, whether it’s people I interact with regularly or those I go out of my way to connect with.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today? How will you help the student face these challenges?
I think that the biggest challenge facing the students at our school is the balance between school life and social life. As students, we’re under constant pressure when it comes to keeping good grades, being a part of extracurricular activities, and building healthy friendships. This can quickly become too overwhelming and make us feel that there is nothing more we can handle. To help students overcome this, I would encourage better time management and mental health support by encouraging more open conversations between students and faculty. Occasional homework-free days could be extremely beneficial to getting back on track and having a brain break. I also think a student suggestion box would be a great way for everyone to safely share ideas or concerns about school-life balance. In addition, I believe that increasing school spirit can make a significant difference in creating a more positive school environment. While we already have spirit week and days, we could expand on this by working with the Spirit Club to regularly decorate hallways with banners and seasonal themes. This can help to brighten the atmosphere and make school feel more welcoming. We could start traditions such as more frequent pep rallies or a monthly ‘Spirit Spotlight’ recognizing a student who shows outstanding Saint Joe pride and positivity.
SECRETARIAL CANDIDATE
Beatrix McClarren – Running Unopposed.
Why do you wish to be an elected member of Student Government?
I have served on student government as my class secretary for the past two years, and I have felt like I have been able to make a difference in the community. I feel as if I have been able to exercise my voice and make decisions that lift up the entire student body during my time as Secretary. I think I have been able to be an advocate for the student body, and I would like to continue that, especially as a Junior when Student Government plans both Midwinter and Prom. I also want to keep not just the student body uplifted, but specifically other student government members as well. I have been a leader in coordinating various student government activities, like spirit week decorations, and I have helped them to run smoothly for both government members and the rest of the student body to enjoy.
What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to student leadership at SJHS?
An officer at Saint Joe should be focused on lifting up and helping others at Saint Joe. Since Student Government is such a small amount of people chosen to advocate for the entire student body, I think that members should be focused on trying to make the best decisions for the entire student body. I see myself contributing to this role greatly, as I make sure to keep in mind how the decisions I make on student government affect so many others. I think this quality also makes me a good leader, as I know what to base decisions off of. As Class Secretary, I have firsthand been able to help organize and coordinate various student government activities, and I think this organization is an important skill to have to be on student government.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today? How will you help the student face these challenges?
Most students at Saint Joe are very involved in sports, clubs, and other activities. Although this is great for the community, this leaves many students with less than ideal time to do homework and study. I understand how hard it can be to keep up with the work demand sometimes, and I understand how this can leave students frustrated and stressed out. My goal as Secretary is provide some relief from this stress, primarily through leadership in planning Midwinter, Prom, and Spirit Week. Having fun activities and events to look forward to can offer some relief from the busyness of school, and I aim to make these events fun and exciting for students. Since I myself am a student who wants to enjoy these events, I will make sure that they are well organized and enjoyable.
