The election for Student Body President features Ian Joyce and Colin MacDonell. These two gentlemen responded to questions about why they want to run for this prestigious position. The election will be held on May 5 and May 6. Check your email for your opportunity to vote.

Ian Joyce

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

The main reason I would like to be the Student Body President is because I would like to take on a new role of leadership on behalf of my fellow students. In these first three years of high school I have grown so much as a leader, both academically and in my service. Recently, I have learned about servant leadership and truly believe that this would be the most effective form of leadership that can be offered. In my growth I know that I can lead in service to others.

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

I would be an asset to the Student Body because of the dedication that I show in everything that I do. I take my academics very seriously and would approach this role in a similar manner. In my service, I have learned how to communicate easier and more effectively as I worked with people with developmental delays. As Junior year has progressed, I have learned how to become more responsible with the greater number of demands. Most of all, I do want to make Sant Joseph a comfortable community because I truly care for the students at this school. I want each student to feel welcomed and a part of a family.

3. 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 Student Body president should be amiable above all things. This means that this person should be easy to talk to because they will listen and respond in positive ways. This will allow for more of the student’s voice to be heard, not only a group of president, vice president, and secretary. The person who holds this role of Student Body President should exemplify the values of Saint Joseph High School. As I look at myself, I do see this friendly trait. I feel that in this leadership role I could contribute by making the voice of the students heard. I could positively listen and relay ideas brought to me. I know that I would contribute by being a friend to the students and the administration.

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

I think that one of the biggest challenges facing our students is simply time management. I know most students, including myself, participate in various extra-curricular activities. Constantly going from one event to another throughout the school year fills up schedule and drains energy. When students finally get “free time”, they are so tired that instead of doing homework they relax. This is not a bad thing at all, and I recommend it, but I believe that there does get to be a time when the recharging has to end. I find it difficult to know when that is, and I believe many other students do, which leads to incomplete or half-done assignments. I want to promote the idea that each student should talk to their counselors more often about how to manage time and mental well-being. I believe this would lead to each student feeling better and becoming a better student, academically and personally.

Colin MacDonell 

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

I believe I have the most experience in the role and would fit the best. One of my gifts is that I can communicate well to others and relay the information given to me accurately. I am also a very empathetic person and I want to help people I see need help. If I see a need, I always try to figure out a way to fill that need, even if it isn’t successful.

2. Describe your involvement in other extra-curricular activities.  

I am involved in Tennis and the Musical and both have taught me how to self-discipline, express myself, and find community with my school. Some of my favorite memories have been made in these programs, and it fulfills me to see the lower class-men experience that as well.

3. 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 should look like a strong yet empathetic person who has lots of energy in trying to make Saint Joe a better place for every student.

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

The biggest challenges facing our school today is our school culture and our community as a whole. I believe that we need to create a stronger school culture, especially at sport events, not just the main ones of football and basketball. Many other sports feel as though they are not appreciated and this needs to be fixed.