HS count down.. #8-- STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Warning: This post is so HIGH SCHOOL. But don't judge me.. I am documenting my HS memories... it is what it is.

I loved being involved and making new friends and I think being in student government was one of my favorite things about school. I ran for office every year.. my sophomore year I lost and was pretty bummed about it. The next year I became a Jr class officer with Francine, Karlin (two best friends) and Phil Wolfgramm and we had the BEST time planning assemblies, activities and most of all Prom. And even though Phil was the only guy... he quickly became one of our best friends. We even spent a night sleeping at his house in the back of his truck.. I have no idea what our parents said about that?

One night late in my Jr. year, I had the distinct impression (while reading my patriarchal blessing) that I needed to run for student body president. Now as "high school" as this sounds, I felt like it was a BIG deal to run for president of the school-- and I knew that I wouldn't win. I was not exactly popular and felt uncomfortable with the idea. But as the elections approached, I became more and more sure that it was what the right thing. I came up with a campaign slogan, took pictures, made posters and got ready to humiliate myself. My slogan was simple.. but I believe it caught most people's attention--


I believe there were about 15 (or so) people running for President. A few days before elections started, Phil Wolfgramm came over to my house to tell me that he was NOT running for VP (as we had previously talked about) but wanted to be president instead. I started crying as soon as he told me the news. Seriously, I was devastated.. I considered stepping down, but for some reason, I just couldn't. My posters were finished and I knew what I "needed" to do. I was sure I didn't have a chance against him (because he was the cool guy and was loved by everyone.. including me!) but I was going to lose trying.

After the first week of preliminary campaigning, each office was narrowed down to two competitors.. and it was me against Phil. A week later, when the results came in, I was more shocked than anyone else. I had won--- and I was thrilled. Phil became senior class president the following week and we still got to work together (which I was so happy about.) And I believe we were able to mend our friendship after all :)

Being president of my high school gave me a lot of incredible opportunities (including a full ride scholarship to college.) Looking back, I know it was what I was supposed to do at that time in my life. Of course, I am sure I would have survived either way, but I am grateful for the opportunities I had during high school.. I was so sad to graduate!! And this is where Aaron starts making fun of me... when I start crying about what a wonderful experience I had in school. But the truth is, I did. And I am grateful for that time in my life. It was also lots of fun being in office with my little brother David! I made him run for class president his first year in high school and he stayed with it and became Junior and Senior class president.. the following years.

Here are the random pictures I have of the good times in student government... Enjoy!

For Homecoming week during lunchtime activities, the officers became human ice cream sundays.. WHY did we do this? Seriously.. was there a point? I am still laughing about Colby Holt using a banana peel as deodorant. He is still a nut..

One of my favorite nights in office was spent at Stephanie Kawa's.. it was the night before Inductions Ceremony (the assembly where the new student body officers and cheerleaders took reign.) Everyone (including the boys) had a sleepover.. only we didn't get ANY sleep. We roamed the town in our pj's (Jared Bowcutt wearing his zip up sleepers) and it was crazy. The next day for the assembly we were COMPLETELY exhausted. But it was a good time... I know I have pictures of that night somewhere.. but oh well.

The funny thing about Inductions Ceremony is that in years past, the school rents this ridiculously large GOLD throne for the student body president to sit in for the assembly. I thought it was too much.. So when it was our turn to bring in the new officers, instead of renting a throne, we moved this HUGE, old (broken) recliner chair from the student government room as replaced it at the top of the stage. I remember Mr. Garcia (one of the principals) pulling me aside after the assembly and telling me how mature that was of me to not use the throne. I laughed because the recliner almost busted in half in the middle of the assembly.. and I was thinking the whole time, "It would have been worth it to rent that gold thrown-- if it would have kept me from falling off the back of the stage." It broke minutes after the assembly was over.. phew. Anyway.. good times, good times!