I am running to become SBO President because I want to make sure everyone at Cottonwood feels included, supported, and welcomed. My goal is to help create a school environment where every student feels connected, no matter their background. While in office, I hope to strengthen school spirit, build stronger connections within the student body, and plan events that bring people together in memorable ways. I believe I’m qualified for this position because I’m responsible, organized, and a strong communicator who listens to different opinions and works well with others. I’m confident speaking in front of people, and I care about making sure everyone’s voice is heard. As SBO President, I plan to represent CHS in a positive and innovative way by encouraging new ideas, supporting student-led projects, and helping create activities that reflect the diversity of our school.
If I am elected as an SBO next year, two initiatives I would focus on are increasing school spirit and improving student communication. I want to help organize more engaging spirit weeks and lunchtime activities so students feel excited to participate and be involved in school events. I would also work to better promote our sports games and build larger student sections so that all extracurricular activities feel supported. In addition, I want to create more opportunities for students to share their ideas and feedback, such as through surveys or suggestion boxes, so everyone feels heard and represented.
To me, being a Colt means having pride in our school and treating people with respect. It means showing up to games, events, and class and supporting the people around you. Being a Colt also means making sure everyone feels welcome and like they belong here. It’s about being positive, including others, and representing our school in a good way.
One way I would develop activities to make everyone at Cottonwood feel welcome and included is by planning events that appeal to different interests, cultures, and grade levels. I would focus on creating activities where students can connect with people they might not normally talk to. For example, hosting multicultural celebrations, team building games, or mixed grade competitions can help students meet new people and feel like they belong, no matter their background or friend group.
To stay motivated with attendance and academics throughout the year, my biggest piece of advice is to set S.M.A.R.T. goals, goals that are specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and timely. When you know exactly what you’re working toward, it’s a lot easier to stay focused. It also helps to remind yourself why school matters for your future and what you want to accomplish after graduation. Staying organized, managing your time well, and surrounding yourself with positive influences makes a huge difference.
Some qualities that make a great leader include strong character, clear communication, problem-solving skills, empathy, and the ability to listen to others. A strong leader understands the people they are working with and communicates ideas in a clear and respectful way. They also stay calm during challenges and are able to make thoughtful decisions. Great leaders should value different perspectives and make sure everyone feels heard so that everyone can succeed.
One leadership quality I have is strong communication. I’m comfortable speaking in front of others, listening to different opinions, and making sure everyone feels heard. I try to understand other people’s perspectives and explain ideas clearly so we can work toward the same goal. This will help me as an SBO because I can share important information, represent student voices, and help create a positive environment. Strong communication also makes it easier to collaborate with students, teachers, and administration.
Post a video of your one minute speech. Your speech should outline your specific abilities and goals for the intended position and for contributing to Student Government and Cottonwood in general.
SBO President Task
Create a sample team building activity that you would lead during a Student Government training day. Include your plan for leading your SBOs and the rest of Student Government through this activity and how it could help the group work as a team. In addition, create a week of daily agendas for both the Student Government Homeroom class and the Student Government Class that would take place leading up to Homecoming Week.
Team building activity: One team-building activity I would lead during Student Government training day is the Rubber Band Cup Stack Challenge. I would split everyone into groups of four and give each group six cups and a rubber band with four strings attached. Each person holds one string, and the group has to work together to stretch the rubber band, pick up the cups, and stack them into a pyramid without touching the cups with their hands. This activity shows how well people communicate, stay patient, and adjust their approach as a team. While they’re working, I would pay attention to how they problem-solve, how they handle frustration, and how they make sure everyone is included. Afterward, we would talk about what worked, what didn’t, and how the skills they used like listening, coordinating, and supporting each other connect to the teamwork we need in Student Government.
Agenda: