This year’s student council election for the freshmen class representatives will be held on this Wednesday, the 1st of November. In anticipation of the election here’s what your peers had to say about their qualifications and aspirations. Before you vote make sure to see who you believe is best fit to represent you and your interests on student council. Best of luck to all the candidates and good on you for giving it a shot.
Candidate #1: Branch Dallman
I love Jesuit and would love to be elected to Student Council. I am currently on the Jesuit Tennis team and serving on Hope Squad. Hope Squad is about suicide prevention and something I take very seriously. I am committed to making sure that all of my Jesuit brothers understand the importance of mental health and they feel connected and welcomed at school.
If I was a representative of the student council, I would listen to my classmates and try to find solutions to their concerns or problems. I would also like to find more service opportunities for the class community. One idea is hosting a Halloween event where kids could come and trick or treat as well as pick up recycled costumes from a costume drive where students can donate old costumes.
I believe I should be elected because of my honesty, integrity, and kindness. You should be able to trust a good leader to both listen to you give good advice and give honest feedback pointing out any opportunities for growth and helping by either leading you to improve on that opportunity or helping you out themselves. My goal is to help everyone to be the best version of themselves and make it across that finish line no matter what that takes.
If I am elected, I am willing to put the time and effort in for the success of my class and the school. I believe I am more than capable, willing and ready to represent Jesuit and lead the class of 2027.
Candidate #2: Bennett Campbell
The reason why I should be elected as a freshman officer is because I believe and know I will be a voice and represent my classmates. Even though I am very new to this school and still figuring out how everything works and functions at Jesuit. I have the characteristics to be a leader and be a voice for the Freshman class.
Currently at Jesuit, I am a leader that students depend on for help in classwork but also someone who students can come up to if they are struggling in school, socially, or having a hard time. I know I am currently someone who is still very new at this school, but I know I am a voice for students and a figure that represents the freshman class. The school that I went to was very different from Jesuit but there are specific things that are very similar at both and that includes community service.
I have learned at Jesuit that students are only required to have one service in the fall and one in the spring, but I believe there should be more opportunities for service to help the community around us. I also believe there should be a teacher appreciation week where students show gratitude for the teachers spending their time helping students. Three Leadership qualities that I possess are being diligent, goal oriented and charismatic. These three qualities that I possess are ones that make me qualified for freshman officer.
Candidate #3: Michael Tobin
I believe I am fit to serve on Student Council because I am a hard worker who puts the needs of others and our school before my own.
I proudly represent my school on the Varsity Swim & Dive Team. It is an honor to be a member of this team as a Freshman. I take the standard it requires very seriously and understand that part of that standard is adhering to the Profile of the Jesuit Graduate whenever I wear the uniform. I am a member of the Investment Club. I think it is important I represent Jesuit with enthusiastic participation in my homeroom’s school spirit activities.
I plan to improve Jesuit in two ways. First, I will work to help students who are struggling to assimilate into our school community. Second, I will promote the benefit of service and Jesuit’s service opportunities. Service has always been important to me and my family. We mainly volunteer with Meals on Wheels. My first service opportunity at Jesuit at St. Nick’s House was impactful. It highlighted the positive influence service has on our school community and those around us.
My leadership is based on respect; respect for all my classmates and respect for Jesuit’s values. I treat everyone at Jesuit as my friend and neighbor who I’d be always willing to help. Following Jesuit’s values is vital to the wellbeing of our community.
Candidate #4: Jackson Waguespack
I would like to be elected to the Jesuit student council because I want to help expand school activities. I can do so by using my creativity, determination, and thoughtful insight to ensure the council moves more efficiently and actively assists the administration with school functions. I want to help the school keep improving and growing as well as not cutting corners and staying on track for school events such as future Homecomings, Proms, and sport events.
I believe that I embody Jesuit’s Open to Growth and Loving characteristics most of all. When I receive constructive criticism from my coaches, I take it well and figure out how to incorporate those criticisms into my play style for football; I also talk to Mr. Marr, my counselor, almost daily to discuss my day and things to improve on. In addition, I help my classmates study and I do more than my part for group projects. If a classmate is going through a tough time, I am willing to listen to them and try my best to help them feel better. I try to be kind to everyone I see and improve the school environment while doing so.
My creativity could be used for helping decorate school events in a different and more thoughtful way than just putting up some colorful stringers on the walls. My determination helps me complete tasks quickly and efficiently. This means that if I am assigned something for a class or for the council itself, I will have it done on time and in a very high quality. I believe these qualities will help make Jesuit more efficient and create a great student environment that is even more open and kind to others.
Candidate #5: William Schardin
I think I should be elected Class Officer because I care about the Class of 2027’s experience at Jesuit, I make a sincere effort to connect with my classmates, I have prior class leadership experience, and I would be committed to representing you. I try to represent the school by embodying the Profile of a Graduate. Some examples include, when I see someone struggling, I try to be inclusive. As an athlete, I try giving my best effort on and off the field and encourage those around me. Finally, I commit myself to working for justice and helping those less fortunate, such as: Young Men’s Service League, and prior fundraising efforts for Children’s Hospital and Sole Hope.
So far I have loved my experience at Jesuit and while I am sure there are opportunities for improvement, I have only been at school for approximately two months. Also, I believe it’s not just about what I think, but what my fellow classmates of 2027 think. If I am elected into this role, I will make it my mission to discover what my peers believe would improve the school.
I thoroughly enjoy and have experience organizing events at my old school, such as mixers, field days, and lunch games in front of large crowds. I enjoy building relationships with my peers, my teachers, and administrators to maximize positive experiences. Finally, I understand the importance of gaining trust from those around me, through my actions.
Candidate #6: Cade Vopni
In general I believe that I would fit the role as a student council representative well and that I would put in the time to be professional and represent my school in a positive way while also giving the kids in the school a good chance to have fun and enjoy their experience at Jesuit. I would try to motivate Jesuit into being a place where everyone has friends and nobody is left alone by themselves and trying to make our community closer together through faith.
My best qualities are hardwork, respect, compassion, and I will use these to try and make sure that Jesuit is seen as a place where anyone can come and prosper through their community as brothers who serve each other in the events and fundraisers that we will have. I believe that I represent this school as a man for others and will do my best to live up to the name Jesuit Dallas has made for themselves. Commitment would be another big thing that I have which is that when I get elected I will stay committed to the duties which student council has and the work it takes to be on student council while also doing this work in a way which is efficient and good.
My biggest thing is that we need to keep Jesuit an environment which is friendly to all who join, making sure that everyone feels welcome, loved, and at home.
Candidate #7: Andrew Skarbek
My name is Andrew Skarbek and I am a freshman at Jesuit. I am running for student council because I can make a positive difference in the school community. I have participated in student council at my middle school, and I wish to continue taking part in this throughout my highschool years. I like to help people and I can do this on a greater scale in student council. I can make peoples’ school experiences better and more enjoyable by listening to them an representing them the best I can.
I should be elected because I possess crucial leadership qualities like communication, honesty, confidence, and vision. These are traits that will help me get things done during my time in student council and provide helpful ideas to other members.I am very connected with a lot of different people all around the school so I can represent a lot of people and make their voices heard. I am currently playing football and I wish to play baseball in the spring. To improve Jesuit, the student council can let the students decide what they want to do at different events throughout the school year through votes. This would connect us more to the students that we represent and give them what they actually want instead of what we think they want.
I am committed, and I put full effort into everything that I do and that would not change at student council. I wish to bring energy and inspiration to student council this year and help to form a better environment for the student body.
Candidate #8: Cole Johnson
I should be elected to the Student Council because I am a leader to my friends and peers around the school. Being a leader is a very important part of the student council motto because it will demonstrate what it is like to be a Man for Others. Also, I like doing the right things in life, even if people around me don’t like what I do.
I like to say that I honor God in my everyday life by always putting other people before myself, and checking in on them if they ever need help. Just by praying for my friends or family, or going to bible studies throughout the week. I represent Jesuit by trying to make good choices both on and off school grounds. If I see people not doing their part, or not doing the right things, I try to talk them into doing the right thing, which is what God would want them to do. For new plans for Jesuit, I plan on getting young men more involved with each other to honor God, and to bring their communities closer together to each other. For example, we could do simple things such as community service, or trying to spread God’s good word to people who haven’t heard His message.
Lastly, some leadership qualities that I possess are leadership, responsibility, and overall kindness. I try to always put others’ needs before my own. God calls for us to be loving to people around us because you never know what someone could be going through.
Candidate #9: Jonathan Shu
I’m simply a freshman like any one of you. I represent the everyday struggles and the best interests of freshmen. Simple math is voting for me; you and me equals a better Jesuit, one that is unified beyond the social cliques and awkward handshakes. And here’s the deal – I won’t just work for you; as a man for others I’ll work with you. Whether it’s late-night study sessions, or tackling challenges as a brother, count on me to be your Man for Others. I sure can fight with you along this journey as a freshman.
Candidate #1: Sahith Chintapalli
As an individual, I aspire to lead and serve for the betterment of others. The past couple weeks of my time at Jesuit have led me to consider the ways in which I could do so not only with but also for my brothers. If elected to student council, I will take your word to my heart, make the voice of the freshman heard, and use my experience as my advantage.
Through my previous leadership, such as student council president in grade school and as Debate Team captain, I have gained invaluable experience as to what it means to lead. I know the responsibilities that come with leadership, and I’m able to use what I’ve gained to make better-weighed decisions.
Perhaps most importantly, I’m adaptable. I’m always willing to listen to the voices of my peers and I can innovate to reach solutions. I always try to reach out, talk, and really make an impact on others. I’ll carry that on through Student Council, and I’ll use my public speaking skills to make your voices heard.
If elected, I promise you an amazing school year, and that I’ll put my best effort yet into this year’s student council. I’ll listen to what you have to say, and I’ll serve as a liaison between us freshman and the rest of Jesuit Stu-Co.
Candidate #11: Grant O’Dea
I am excited to run for class officer and I hope you’ll vote for me. I am a good candidate because I am a great listener and I like to help people. I truly want to make a difference for my classmates.
I currently represent my school with my actions and the way I treat other people. Whether I’m in school uniform, my hockey uniform or regular clothes on weekends, I’m still the same person who helps the people around me.
My top leadership qualities that make me qualified to represent my classmates are faith, determination, and work ethic. Faith will help me put God first in my decisions and help me to lead my brothers in Christ to have faith as well. I am determined to see my peers succeed along with my own success. I am willing to do what it takes to make a difference and to do it well.
I want to improve Jesuit by first finding out the needs of my classmates and then proposing solutions. I think it’s important not to make assumptions but instead listen and respond.
One area I would personally like to improve is to have more activities and connections with our sister school. I believe these connections and relationships are important to our development as whole people. I also have many other ideas I would like to explore as your class officer.
By being elected, I am committed to putting in the time and effort required to bring positive changes. I am prepared to listen, learn and work to enhance our experience at Jesuit. I want to create a stronger, more connected Jesuit community where everyone thrives. Thank you for considering me for this important position.
Candidate #12: Gavin Riley
My name is Gavin Riley. I am a freshman in the class of 2027. I attended St.Rita Catholic School from Kindergarten through 8th grade, and Jesuit has been a place I have wanted to attend since I can remember. My brother was a graduate in the class of 2022 so I was able to see as he grew during his time at Jesuit and develop the strong friendships that continue today. I had the experience of growing up in a Catholic school that is one of the largest feeder schools to Jesuit while also getting to know many peers at other schools in the Dallas Parochial League through sports and other social activities. I believe this gave me a tremendous advantage beginning at Jesuit as I knew many people and was familiar with the experience at Jesuit. I want to utilize this experience to communicate to others and help their initial experience at Jesuit to be positive.
I believe I represent Jesuit by appreciating the expectations that Jesuit has for its students and the progression that is expected to become a graduate and a “Men for Others”. Currently, I am trying to be a “Men for Others” by being supportive of my classmates as we all acclimate to Jesuit. I look forward to developing that “Men for Others” mentality through future service projects and other growth during my time at Jesuit. It would mean alot to me to serve the school that I have loved my whole life. I can not see a better way to do it than the student council. These are the reasons I think I would make a great candidate for Student Council.
Candidate #13: Chase Brown
I am excited that I am at a point in my life where I can run for Freshman student council. Together, we can create a brighter, safer, and more fun future for our school, in years to come.
First, leadership is not just about making decisions, but about being able to reach out and connect with the people that your decisions are impacting. When in office I will do my absolute best to be able to reach all students. That one thing I will boast about myself is that no matter where I am in the room I will talk to everyone. One thing you can see when watching me is that I can talk to both the extremely popular students and the students who have a tiny friend circle.
Leading me into my next topic collaboration I believe to be an effective leader you need to be able to talk and work well with everyone from faculty, upperclassmen, younger peers, and people in your class. When I’m in the office I will constantly strive to make this a better school by applying my ideas as well as listening to the requests of other students, as one of my ideas is to have a wider range of diversity and more cultural understanding when it comes to people with different cultural backgrounds. I want to be the person who will take the lead and start that change, that’s what I will be. I will be that person of change for Jesuit as I am one of the few kids who have come from public school.
One day when I come back to this school as an alumnus I want to see people of all different backgrounds feeling comfortable publicly expressing/showing their differences showing their culture. That’s my Jesuit dream, that’s my change.
Thanks to our candidates for these messages and to all of the freshmen participating in the election towards their student council representatives.
Election Day is going to be on Wednesday, November 1. Voting will take place during the school day in Freshmen Guidance.
Stay tuned to the Jesuit Roundup for more Student and Community News!
