With the start of a new school year came the annual Junior Class President (JCP) election, where Blessing Saungweme was crowned the leader of the junior student body. The JCP election allows one eleventh grade student to represent this year’s junior class. The winner would be someone who displays aspects of leadership, optimism and kindness to the student body. This year, there were a multitude of candidates who all believed they could bring something new to the table.

“I believe I can represent our class in a positive way,” junior Brian Winikka said. “Our student body is high achieving, but I also want to make it fun.”

After being an active member in many organizations such as Plano Youth Leadership, Young Men’s Service League and Boy Scouts of America, Winikka claimed his experiences had given him the necessary leadership qualities.

“I’m good at leading by example and being a role model for the students,” Winikka said.

Being a role model was also very important to another JCP candidate, Mallory Chance.

“I’m not running for just me, but for all the other juniors,” Chance said. “I would love to use my leadership to get people to enjoy West for the right reasons.”

Chance believed her heart to serve others is what really set her apart from the other candidates running this year.

“I am willing to go above and beyond to let everyone have the best experience possible,” Chance said. “I would love to use my leadership in a positive way.”

Junior Dimas Villafranca believed that in order to make a positive impact, the JCP should be someone who is personable and easy to talk to, and he feels he has those qualities.

“I don’t want anyone to ever think they can’t come up and talk to me,” Villafranca said.

One of Villafranca’s main goals was to really unify the student body.

“I really hope to close the gap between Jasper and Shepton kids,” Villafranca said. “If elected I will do my very best to accomplish what everyone wants.”

Similarly, JCP candidate Alondra Hernandez felt that participation in school is a very important aspect of every student’s life.

“My main goal is for everyone to like coming to school,” Hernandez said. “It’s not about fitting in. It’s about finding your place in every situation.”

Finally, the junior selected to be JCP, Blessing Saungweme, believes that having strong communication skills is very important to being a good president.

“I believe that I am more socially diverse because I communicate with more than one social group,” Saungweme said. “I plan to bring more pride, communication and fun to this school year.”

Saungweme thinks his background in helping others and doing community service will help him become a great leader and make a difference.

“I don’t go to one group,” Saungweme said. “I go to other groups, the groups people don’t usually go to. They actually have some great ideas.”

Saungweme has talked to some groups and heard ideas such as that of customized parking for juniors and seniors.

“I pursued JCP because he [the president] plays an important role,” Saungweme said. “Rather than just a regular student, he’s in a high position where he can influence more people than just a small group of students. I want people to get more incorporated in the school.”

Saungweme mentioned his excitement for the year ahead and at the prospect of making a difference.

“I ran for JCP to make a contribution to the school,” Saungweme said. “I want everyone’s voice to be heard. As JCP, people are able to come to me more, knowing they can actually make an impact.”