Toward the end of each year, freshman, sophomore, and junior students vote on their grade-assigned Ecampus page for their class’s student president. Class representatives or class presidents, are elected leaders who make decisions for their specific grade level, for events such as dances or other festivities. Each grade has a different and specific role, while still representing the entire student body. For instance, the junior class is in charge of prom and the senior class is in charge of senior-skip-day.
To the three student presidents of Oviedo High School (OHS), their position is more then a title. To them, using their position to unify and represent not just their grade, but the entire student body as a whole is a far more important feat.
The process starts with a speech from each candidate on WROR TV expressing why their class should choose them as their student president. Then, students vote for the candidate that they want.
This year, Owen Morgan serves as the sophomore class president. He says his favorite part of the job is the opportunity to work with his fellow sophomores and peers alike. “Interacting with the other SGA sophomores and the rest of the classes is probably my favorite part,” Morgan said.
On the flip side, Morgan says he feels pressure to set a good example for his classmates because of his position.” I feel like I have to watch everything I say kind of closely,” he continues, “I’ve got to set a good example and that’s sometimes a lot.”
Sophomores are in charge of Homecoming and Teacher Apprecation events. Without them, these events wouldn’t be possible. But class presidents don’t just work alone, they have a whole team behind them of their peers to help them make decisions and plan.
All of the leaders of one grade come together to discuss plans and ideas for their assigned event or task. Each person has unique input to add to the conversation, making the entire process a team effort.
“I wanted to become class president just because I love Oviedo so much,” Morgan said.
To Stevan Ridder, senior class president, making everyone in the school feel heard is his favorite part of the job. “Talking to everyone at school and trying to use all their ideas during events is probably my favorite part,” Ridder said.
The job doesn’t come without flaws however, Ridder claimed he feels pressure to make sure everything meets expectations.
“Having people feeling upset with me if things aren’t perfect is tough,” he said talking about events like Homecoming or pep rallies. “But honestly, I don’t have that much control.”
Though a student president’s power is limited, that doesn’t mean they aren’t an important part of the school. Without student presidents, school events would be nearly impossible. Their direction, leadership, and representation are essential to not just their section of student government, but their entire class and other peers.
His junior counterpart, Zachary Griffin sees OHS as a family he wishes to represent in the best way possible. “ I care a lot about the juniors, I care a lot about all of us,” he continues, “I really love Oviedo. I think of it as a family,” he said.
Griffin takes on many leadership roles around the school, serving as Beta Club president, he also has leadership positions in Pickleball Club and National Honor Society. Clearly, he has a lot on his plate.
“It’s a lot of work and a lot of stress, but I thrive and live on stress, so that’s just how I live my life,” Griffen said.
Griffin encourages the student body to think before they cast their vote for student president. “Don’t just pick the person who is the popular one.” He continued, “Pick the one who you think represents you.” Emphasizing the need for a strong leader in this position.
Griffin and the others are great examples of passionate and dedicated leaders; the exact traits needed for the role.
All three student presidents proudly represent the entire student body. Their leadership is essential to not just the student government, but every student. They are an often underappreciated part of the school, but nevertheless continue to do important work.
