Elections for class representative get underway this week. The following candidates are running:

Elle Dickson, Thomas Helm, Raylee Foster,  MacKenzie Schmeltz, Madison Tubbs, Caroline Mereness, Catalina Suarez, Chuck Eckrich, Elle Miller, Esteban Alvarez-Garcia, Izzy Cook, Katie Lavelle, Martha Cleary, Molly Credi, Nick Njuguna, Paige Staszewski, Sara Fry, Zach Kennedy, and Theo Mager. Here are their thoughts on being a representative.

Elle Dickson

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class?

I would like to continue to help my class and have a more involved role within our student government. I would also like to challenge the class of 2022 to become more involved in our community. I hope to incorporate more service as a class to help cultivate a stronger community as we move toward graduation. In addition to this, I hope to connect the student body closer to administration. To do this, I will make sure to talk with as many members of the student body as possible to get everyone’s needs met.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team?

An officer at St Joe should embody empathy. They should reach out to others to hear their thoughts and feelings. They should also hold everyone’s thoughts and feelings with respect. I will do this by holding everything I hear with high regard, even if I don’t agree with them. In addition to this, I will help foster empathy within our community by creating a more welcoming environment. To do this, I will create events like service or other activities where students can grow and connect.

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 challenge being faced by students is division. While it has fueled by the pandemic, there is a clear divide between groups of students. This division has created an almost unwelcome atmosphere. In order to fix this, we need to create more events that foster growth. This could be through events where students can interact or by implementing new rules within classrooms. These rules can include group projects where its random members or class discussions required for most classes. This will spark discussions among students and allow others to hear ideas from their peers that would not normally talk to each other.

Thomas Helm

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class?

I have not been in any elected position at this school before, so I would like to try it, and I feel that there are several issues/aspects of this school that could be improved on, whether important or mundane, and I would like to be a part of that change in some manner.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team?

As a representative of the class I would make it my priority to lead the senior class. Whether it’s larger issues, like mental health during tough times, or smaller conflicts, like the lunch menu, I will make it my goal to be there for the senior body. Another responsibility of the senior class president is to act as a role model for others, so in this position I will continue to maintain good grades while still participating in extracurricular activities, such as swimming and RMH club. Finally, I believe that the senior class president should work to encourage fellow students and help them get through the difficult aspects of school, so as senior class president I would work to achieve this by reaching out to others.

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 greatest student challenge is inclusion, that many students feel like they attend this school but are not a part of its community. So, my goal would be to end this through various programs and just generally encouraging students to greet others.

Raylee Foster

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class?

I believe that as an Rep. I will be able to advocate for my class and feel that I am an approachable person with a driven attitude who will able to shed light on issues my classmates may have for me to address. I know that as an officer, especially for the senior class, being a role model is crucial. I believe that I am a role model academically, socially, and spiritually. I have actively taken leadership positions outside of school through reins of life and logan’s center, and believe I would be a good role model for underclassmen. I also understand the commitment required in student council, however my interest in government and debate based subjects leads me to believe that the time commitment would be an honor, and not a chore.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team?

I think the role of an officer at Saint Joe is someone who is approachable, determined, motivated, creative, and a overall role model for others. I think that applicability is important because of the ability for other students to share their contributions for things they believe need to be addressed in the school. Determination and motivation work together as factors that allow an officer to make their claim and stand strong in the face of opposition to make sure their voice, and the students voices, are heard. I think creativity is crucial because it allows room for unique and original material to be brought to the saint joe community. Lastly I think being a role model, and someone others can reach out to is extremely important.

What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today? How will you help the student face these challenges?

In the saint joe community today I think the biggest challenge is cancel culture, which has posed a seemingly greater threat on teenagers than it has for any other age group. This mindset throughout American culture today has caused division, depression, and anxiety around the country, and within out community. As an officer I will help students to face this challenge by reminding them of Christ’s call to be abounding in love and patience, even towards those one may not agree with. Additionally I will work to encourage students to reach out when they feel “cancelled” to prevent depression or anxiety as a result of social dilemmas. Lastly, I will encourage the saint joe community to remember our virtue of family, and that we are all one in the body of Christ.

Madison Tubbs

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class?

Senior year is most student’s year that they most remember of high school. Being able to have every voice be heard is a goal of mine. I hope to achieve this goal by representing you. The two senior classes before us have had messy and complicated years due to Covid-19. I want to help our class to have a year, next year, filled with all the hopes and dreams the past seniors have missed out on.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team?

The role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like a positive and persuasive member of the Saint Joe community. An officer should be ready to share the needs and wants other fellow classmates to the staff to speak for the student body. I would like to send out an email with a survey or suggestion box every month next year to each student in the senior class to get their opinion on how they want to make their senior year better. I can share with Mr. Kennedy these ideas at our monthly meetings. This way all voices will be heard from the senior class.

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 challenge at Saint Joe is being able to make friends and stay included. I feel Saint Joe does a very good job trying to include everyone. In my opinion, I think that sometimes people still get left out and feel lonely. I want to help and make sure everyone feels included. If I receive the role as vice president, I would like to hold a “Get to Meet People” every month during a flex period. This means that everyone would meet in the gym and would find at least one new person to talk to and share a little bit about themselves to the other person.

MacKenzie Schmeltz

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class?

I want to be an Rep.  because I want to share the joy I have found at Saint Joe with my fellow classmates. I take a lot of pride in my school, and always strive to be a positive and welcoming face to everyone I see throughout the day. In addition, I feel that there are always improvements, even small ones, that can be made. I believe that with my involvement in a variety of activities and my friendly demeanor, I could be a leader in building our Saint Joe family closer together. Finally, I will continue to work to make our school even better, regardless if I am elected or not.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team?

With our time together quickly coming to an end, our class needs someone to advocate for experiences that maximize our memorable moments, and I believe that I could fill that role. I am innovative and willing to contribute my ideas, while also being an attentive collaborator and content with moving in a direction that might be different than my own idea. I am also a well rounded individual, which allows me to be an approachable candidate to a diverse range of students and understand concerns from a multitude of perspectives. Saint Joe needs an officer that is confident to speak up for them, but that can also listen and understand their point of view, and I know I can live up to that expectation.

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 our ongoing challenges is being an inclusive and connected student body. While I do believe that we respect each other’s differences, improvements could be made celebrating those differences. We obviously honor the performance of our athletes, but could do a better job of recognizing other’s talents and milestones. This could potentially be aided in implementing the use of the bulletin boards across from the Dining Hall and across from the English Hallway. Spotlights, submissions, pictures, and inspirational messages could be displayed there, inspiring and empowering our Saint Joe community even more, and allowing us to have a greater awareness for the diversely gifted student body.

Caroline Mereness

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class? *

I would be honored to serve as a representative of the senior class. Student government gives an outlet for all students to voice their opinions on issues and challenges that are facing the school on a daily basis, and I would love to be able to represent my peers. I would love to be able to have access to a platform in which I am able to share my ideas as well as hear those of others regarding how to make Saint Joe a better place overall. Additionally, I want to continue to do my best to be an active member of the SJHS community by serving my fellow students as a part of student government. By being a part of the SJHS student government, I will try my best to represent my peers and classmates well by listening to their ideas and discussing them with my fellow representatives and officers.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team? *

I think that the role of a representative in the Saint Joe student government should be to assist officers with projects and tasks, as well as bringing their own ideas to the table and their own issues that they want to be discussed at meetings or gatherings. A representative should be active in student government and should be committed to attending meetings, and I am willing and able to satisfy both of these requirements. A representative should also be someone who is responsible, both inside and outside of school, and represents the school well from a character and behavioral standpoint. If elected to serve as a representative of the senior class, I would be sure to continue to be the best version of myself possible in order to best represent the school. Additionally, a representative must possess the spirit to help Saint Joe to become a better place by assisting other members of the student government with various projects as well as voicing their own opinions.

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 that one of the biggest challenges facing Saint Joe today is the perception of the school and students by others outside of the Saint Joe community. To help students face this challenge, I think we need to become a more united and connected student body as a whole. I feel that through doing this, we will emanate and show a more positive image of SJHS. Another issue that I believe is facing SJHS today is acceptance in general. This solution goes hand in hand with the previous one, and it follows the same guidelines. To solve the problem of acceptance, Saint Joe must become an overall united student body that provides a welcoming and accepting environment to all students.

Catalina Suarez

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class? *

I would like to be a representative of the senior class because I feel as though I have a great connection with all of the students in my grade. I would like to become a representative to give everyone in the student body a voice as well as a chance to make their ideas and suggestions known to the Saint Joe administration.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team? *

I think the role of a representative should be filled by someone with many different qualities. I believe that a representative should be attentive and can follow directions well. They should also be able to contribute different ideas to a discussion as well as being able to carry out those ideas. A representative should be kind and intelligent, as well as having a good connection to the student body. A representative should always listen to what the students have to say and relay that information back to the student government as a whole in order to make change in the school. I see myself contributing to this leadership team because I am a very good listener who can follow directions without any complaints. I am willing to do things that other people may not want to do, as well as working extra to achieve/complete a goal or activity for the school. I have many different ideas of what I think could make the school a better place, but I am also very willing to work with other people to achieve their ideas as well. I have a strong connection with the student body, and I will listen to any sort of problems or suggestions that the students may suggest. I also see myself contributing to this leadership team because I am very committed to my grades and the other various activities I participate in and work as hard as possible to achieve my own, as well as my teams, goals.  I am also very committed to the Saint Joe community and want everyone to have the same great experience that I have had.

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 that the biggest challenge facing the students at Saint Joe is stress management. I have witnessed firsthand how much pressure and stress is put on student by either themselves or the teachers workload. I realize that the school has made the SEL videos that talk about stress management, but most of the student body does not watch these videos. I would recommend to the students and make it more widely known about the different resources available for us, such as the room in the Counseling Office that students can come to at any point during the day. I also would recommend meeting with your counselor more often to discuss how to manage the workload and stress that different classes bring. I would also recommend really focusing on relaxation and stress relief during the weekend. With all of these I believe we can really cut down on the stress that many students experience.

Chuck Eckrich

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class? *

I feel that I would be a good representative of the class because I have connections to those in our class. I understand what the students need and what they want. I think it is also a good opportunity to step up and take action towards the best interest of the school.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team? *

A representative should be someone who is connected and outgoing. It should be someone who isn’t afraid to put themselves out there or speak what is on their mind. They should be someone who holds a high role in academics, athletics, and service. Someone who is committed. They should also be able to read, and I can do that.I can contribute to the team because I am an outgoing and genuinely friendly person.

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 our students today is unity. Something very apparent in the school is how it is primarily divided into social clicks. A way to fix this is to promote connections and to give students the confidence and the courage to put themselves out there and to reach out to others.

Ellie Miller

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class? *

I would like to be a representative of the senior class next year because I want to continue to be able to speak for my grade. Many of our opportunities to help within student council this past year were unavailable due to the pandemic, and want to try and continue with what we were doing this past year. I also think that I am a friend of everybody around me and enjoy talking to all students, so I think that many students would easily be able to come to me with ideas and thoughts on things about the school and the senior class.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team? *

I think that the role of a representative at Saint Joe should look like a person who is very active within the school and is willing to bring their thoughts and ideas to the rest of student council in order to make Saint Joe the best it can be. I see myself contributing to this leadership team by participating in meetings and the other various activities that student council is put in charge of for the year, while also being an active listener to my peers and doing my best to make changes, if they are needed, for the benefit of others.

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 one of the biggest challenges facing the students at Saint Joe today includes the mental health of the students, especially with the changes due to Covid-19. There is much added stress due to social isolation and many students have had a hard time meeting people and feeling included in school. One of the ways I could help as a student council representative is to promote inclusion throughout the school and make people feel welcome, as well as allow for them to feel heard within the school.

Esteban Alvarez-Garcia

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class? *

I want to be a representative to help the community of St. Joseph High School become more close-knit. I want to be a voice for my fellow peers and be of service to the school. In the last few years I’ve been in the government and I want to keep serving in the government.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team? *

A representative should be able to set aside their wants and give a voice to the others who are not elected. They should be willing to listen and speak for others, always striving for the betterment of Saint Joe. I see myself contributing to this by remaining open to the new ideas of others as well as trying to do things differently.

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 challenge facing the students of our school is the disconnection between each other. Due to all the changes this past year, many of the events in which people interacted with each other were cancelled and students weren’t able to meet each other or build new friendships. I want to encourage people to get out of their comfort zones and meet new people. I want to see our school become closer in community and I will try my best to find new ways in which people can interact and meet each other.

Izzy Cook

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class? *

I am interested in being a Student Council officer or representative for the class because I want to further enrich the St. Joe experience for the entire school community.  St. Joe has many great attributes across academics, athletics, service and religion. We strive to do things the right way, whether they be our daily routines, St. Joe traditions, or new initiatives.  I think being a member of the student council will allow me to be a voice in enhancing the school, while also offering suggestions or solutions to areas I think we can improve.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team? *

The role of a Student Council officer or representative should encompass a handful of characteristics. These include good listener, creative problem solver, an advocate for my classmates, a respected student with the teachers and administration, a team player among the other officers and representatives, and, a leader when necessary. I think my contribution to the leadership team can be made both as a representative for the Sophomore class and also as a member of the broader St. Joe community.  Clearly, much of my time is spent with my fellow students in the classroom and with my peers on athletic/extracurricular activities.  I have a great cross-section of people that I interact with daily and I feel my experiences and interactions with these different groups that could allow me to offer a variation of valuable insights and ideas.

What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today? How will you help the student face these challenges? *

Like many schools, I think one of St. Joe’s biggest challenges is avoiding a culture of cliques and exclusion.  While this type of culture is exhibited all over our society (including with our families and others that we know and see often), it does not mean that we should sustain it. Sure, some of us have classes together or might be on a team or club together.  But we should also want to find ways where we can push each other to expand our relationships further outside these groups. Our generation, and specifically the students at St. Joe, try to do things that promote a culture of inclusion and friendliness to all.  One of my favorite days of the year at St. Joe was the Joy of St. Joe service day.  I interacted with a number of people I had not done so with all year.  This was not only fun for me, but allowed me to start new friendships.  I would like to think of more activities like this, that would encourage the entire student body to interact with more people, especially some that we may not have spent any time with. I think another issue that would be worth spending time on is managing our time and the pressures of academics and extracurriculars.  St. Joe has distinguished itself as a school that prepares you well for the next steps of our lives – college, work, military, service, etc.  But we are still teenagers that need to find times to ‘blow off steam’ and relax a bit.  I think there are activities/events that we could consider to help with this.

Katie Lavelle

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class? *

I know that while the saint joe community is welcoming and joyous there is always room for improvement. I think everyone has an important role in the betterment of our school community. I want to play a role in contributing my ideas for change while also conveying the feeling and thoughts of our class to class officers and administrators. Over the last three years, I have gotten to know the members of my class very well. We have been through some crazy things together. I know that as a representative I will be able to represent their wants and needs. I love organizing events and planning for the future. Being a representative will allow me to do both while helping others the whole time.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team? *

I think that a representative should be a direct link between the people of our class and the officers and administrators. It would be my job to represent the feelings of the students so that they feel like their voices are heard. A student government representative must be approachable and ready to hear the questions and concerns of the class. I would contribute to the leadership team because I am not afraid to speak up and share my opinions. At the same time, I understand that our elected officers are the leaders and my job is to support them and their ideas.

What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today? How will you help the student face these challenges? *

Students at all high schools are under an extraordinary amount of pressure from teachers, parents, and themselves. Saint Joe is no exception and our students face stress and pressure in all of their endeavors whether it be academic, athletic, or social. To help our students face these challenges I want to create a school atmosphere where they feel supported and stress-free. Activities like dress-down days, dances, and pep rallies, while seeming like small events, have a profound impact on moral and student stress levels. I want to be an active part of the planning and execution of these events.

Martha Cleary

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class? *

In my time at Saint Joe, I have benefitted so much from this community. It’s my friends and classmates that push me to be my best, both in my personal and academic life. I am so grateful for this community and I have an incredible opportunity to represent and advocate for them in this position. Throughout this year, I have become a better listener and leader through my participation in Student Council. I hope to continue this growth in the coming year.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team? *

Representatives on the Student Council are able to advocate for their peers in a way that other members of the student body can’t. Because of this unique privilege and responsibility, they need to be clear communicators and attentive listeners.  Student Council Representatives are able to give both positive and constructive feedback to teachers and administrators so that the needs of students are met. They are also tasked with leading student initiatives within the student body. I am fortunate to have friends from a wide range of communities in the Junior Class, allowing me to hear the perspectives of many students in my class. I am a naturally empathetic person, which has allowed me to collaborate well with my fellow representatives and to consider the needs of all parties when discussing important decisions. In addition, my creativity and work ethic allow me to approach projects and solve problems in a unique and innovative way. I would be honored to use these gifts to support the Class 2022 in the upcoming year.

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 one of the greatest challenges facing students this year has been a lack of community. While I love the St. Joe community, I’ve noticed that this year in particular has made it difficult for students to participate in student activities and to branch out of their small friend groups. I’ve personally found it tough to stay in touch with my own friends, since it is so difficult to plan and schedule given our current situation. Next year, we have a wonderful opportunity to revive and improve upon that feeling of belonging and community that we have had in years past. All members of the student body deserve to belong and be included. As a student council representative, I will help organize activities, such as a class movie night or a field day that would bring students together outside of the school day. I will collaborate with my fellow representatives to create more opportunities for inclusion and community building within the school day as well. Through these initiatives, we can build a atmosphere in our school that makes students feel like they really belong in the St. Joe family.

Molly Credi

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class? *

I want to be a representative of my class because I have thoroughly enjoyed all that I have been able to do in the past three years. This position gave me the opportunity to throw our first homecoming in the new school my sophomore year. This year was very unique and challenged me to navigate the difficulties of a pandemic and still find a way to put on a safe and fun prom! Being a representative of my class for our senior year would allow me to continue brining new and creative ideas that will hopefully make our senior year as normal as possible. I want to make sure that every member of our class has an unforgettable senior year to make up for all the time we have lost together.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team? *

I think the role of a representative at Saint Joe should look like a person who constantly has the best interest for our class at heart. This person should make an effort to appear approachable to all students in hopes of giving a voice to all students. I see myself contributing to this leadership team as this voice. I would like to believe that the relationships I have been developing with my classmates over these last three years have made me appear approachable and easy to talk to. This would allow me to get feedback from all of my classmates. I would continue to put in the effort in organizing school and class events in hopes of making our senior year awesome!

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 that the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today is the struggle to find community. The past year and a half has separated many of us from friends, family and any social gatherings. This has left many of us isolated and struggling to return back to the social normality we had prior to the pandemic. As a school we are very divided which makes it difficult to get feedback and ideas from everyone. I will help students face these challenges by promoting and fostering community. Once we have reestablished our community we will be able to use these relationships to allow everyones input to be heard.

Nick Njuguna

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class? *

I would like to be a representative of my senior class because I feel in past years we have failed to truly represent the diversity of our grade. As students we constantly make votes based on whether or not we are friends with the person and because of the demographics of my grade, the elected representatives all fall within the same demographic. I want to bring a new perspective and fresh ideas. I want to be a voice for my people and for my grade. If I am elected as a representative my grade will have a new demographic represented and what they want and need can be fully realized in ways that it has never had the opportunity to.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team? *

I believe that the role of a representative should be to represent the morals of one’s self and to be a voice for their people and those who are not heard in the school community. They should take the time to ask their classmates what changes they want to see and whether or not they think the school is currently in a good place. If a representative can fulfill those tasks, then they are doing their job. I see myself contributing through fresh ideas and my vocal personality. I am not afraid to call people out and I know when certain things need to be said. I am an individual who can represent the unrepresented, I do not fit into one clique of students and I am constantly floating around regarding who I interact with. This is very important in bringing our community together and raising awareness for problems that are left untouched.

What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today? How will you help the student face these challenges? *

Students today face constant pressure to be perfect and they need to realize that if everyone was perfect, no one would be unique. The fact that you are not perfect is what makes you human, and once you realize how humane you are and how humane others can be, it becomes so much easier to relieve the stress that comes with trying to maintain perfect grades, relationships, and balancing family life. Another large problems that the student body faces is that they look to far into the future and forget to focus on now. I will help my classmates to realize that if they focus on now, then they will be prepared for the future, but if they look to the future all the time, they will fail at what they should be doing right now.

Paige Staszewski

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class? *

I want to be a representative so I can be a voice and a positive change within the student body. I love helping with school activities, and I think I have many great ideas that could help aid the school into a better future.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team? *

I think this role should include being an active listener to my peers and being an advocate for them. I will contribute to this team by bringing to the table my ideas as well as those of my peers in order to enhance the Saint Joe experience.

What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today? How will you help the student face these challenges? *

From listening and talking with others, I have notice an immense issue with the mental health standing within our school. I would love to be an advocate and resource for anyone struggling with this issues. I think it is important to have a safe environment within the school, and this starts with the students! I will  make it a priority to be helpful and inclusive to all the students within the school, and I would love to be a role model for the student body on how to deal with these issues and how to present a more inclusive atmosphere.

Sara Fry

Why do you want to be an officer or representative of your class? *

I believe that I would be a good representative for my class because I’ve been going to school with them for three years now. Within those three years I have been able to interact with a wide variety of people in my grade. I have heard their complaints or things we have agree has made a positive impact on the school. Throughout my three years, I have seen things that I liked that student government or the school has done that I liked; but I have also seen things I don’t. I feel strongly that if I would be a representative that I could bring my opinion and be able to tell a different side or experience. I am not afraid to voice my opinion in a respectful way and love to bring new ideas to the table. I want to be a voice for people in my grade that might not be heard all the time.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team? *

I think the role of a representative should look like at Saint Joe is a leader. Even though that sounds cliche, I think they should be someone that is welcoming and able to listen to all people. They do have a major role in the school and they are representing the voice of their class, which means they should listen to their class if something isn’t is not liked or vise versa. I believe a class representative should not only be a leader in the class but outside as well; while continually support Saint Joe High School.

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 challenge facing the students at our school today is being heard by teachers or the administration. I will help students face this challenge by being the voice for them and bringing a different point of view. I also believe a challenged faced by students is being excluded. There are so many things that our schools has to offer to a wide variety of people and I feel like that needs to be put out there more so more people can be involved. I would promote clubs and sports more as of a more welcoming environment. I would also promote the sports and clubs to be inviting new people no matter what.

Theo Mager

Why do you want to be a Student Body Officer of the Senior class?

I want to be a representative because I will bring new and beneficial content to the table as an experienced leader in my classes and at work. I think the candidates in the past have done great things, but I believe there is opportunity to do even more. I want there to be a greater connection within the student body to one another. Currently the leaders in student government have been elected in a popularity contest that only represents one fraction of the school. I want to help all of the students have a voice instead of just one group. I plan to help lead the student body create a connection between administration and students instead of furthering the divide that I feel is present at this time.

What would make you an asset to the Senior Class? What are your gifts, strengths and leadership qualities?

My greatest asset to the Senior Class is my unmatched sense of joy and friendliness. I think this makes me approachable and hope to use this to the fullest of my abilities to help accomplish the goals of Student Government. I pride myself in being a critical thinker and recognizing good ideas and having the ability to provide feedback to make them better. Overall this will not only help the senior class, but the student body as a whole. I will encourage anyone who has an issue with how things are handled to approach me directly to achieve a greater sense transparency and community.

What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the students at our school today?

I think the biggest challenges facing the students at Saint Joe today is the teacher to student divide and the socioeconomic divide among students . We have some of the more popular or nice kids from each class as leaders, but unfortunately they (for the most part) are all in the same group. I’m running because I think the divide between students and students is widening,  as well as between teachers and students. I think I can be a crucial part in enhancing the communication between students and teachers. I want to help create the most united Saint Joe community that we’ve ever had.

Zach Kennedy

Why do you want to be a Student Body Officer of the Senior class?

I want to be able to better help my fellow students as a leader of the class. I would like to make Saint Joe High a better place, and a good position to do this would be as a class representative. I want Saint Joe to be a welcoming place for all students, and I think I can work towards that goal. It is my sole hope that all the students at Saint Joe will be able to have the best year possible at Saint Joe.

What would make you an asset to the Senior Class? What are your gifts, strengths and leadership qualities?

I am very capable of being a strong representative of the Saint Joe student body. I have always (and will continue to) keep up a strong academic record while participating in sports and extracurriculars. I have seen firsthand the challenges students can face, especially in a year such as 2020. I have been a leader of several Saint Joe sports teams, and I know I am capable of setting an example as well as making decisions to push the student body in the right direction. I will be an active, honest leader and do everything I can to make the student body have the best year at Saint Joe.

What do you think the role of an officer or representative at Saint Joe should look like? How do you see yourself contributing to this leadership team?

I think a rep. should be a positive leader and role model for the rest of the students. They should always be willing to openly listen to fellow student’s concerns. They should be a humble leader, leading from example by keeping up with school work and participation in extracurricular activities. As well, they should be a vocal leader that encourages and helps their peers to work to the best of their abilities. I think I could accomplish these goals, and I could be a good representation of the interests of the senior class.