Running on a campaign promise of uniting the school, junior Nicole Saporito was announced as the elected Student Body President. On May 17th, the students of Seminole High School took to the polls to vote on their president for the 2016-2017 year. As president, Saporito’s roles will include leading discussions in Leadership, planning pep rallies, and representing the school in district-wide meetings, among other things. She is looking forward to the challenge.

“Most people tend to think that SBPs only do pep rallies, but it is so much more intricate [than that], and Nicole will soon learn [that as] previous presidents can attest to, [being SBP] requires so many qualities. The most important ones are being able to communicate, being flexible, confiden[t], organized, responsible, energetic, and personable,” says graduating student body president Zack DeBose.

Saporito reflects on her previous experiences of leadership in inspiring her to run for president.

“I ran for president because I care about this school,” says Saporito. “I’ve been in leadership for 3 years and […] I learned a lot from the past presidents so I think I have what it takes to improve this school.”

Throughout the weeks approaching election day, Saporito’s campaign involved making music videos and giveaways in order to energize her voters. “I wanted to get people’s attention. I wanted them to know who I was,” says Sport.

“I voted for Nicole because having known her for three years now, I know she’s the perfect fit for student body president [because of] her pep and joy. Nicole exudes Nole Nation Pride,” says junior George Joseph.

Over the past three years, Saporito has been involved in many of Leadership’s initiatives. These included the RISE (Respect Individuals Support Everyone) anti-bullying program which she helped start, going to Pinecrest Elementary school to read to students, and volunteering at nursing homes. Other philanthropic events conducted by Leadership raised over $2000 for FIT (Families in Transition, Feeding Children Everywhere, and Relay for Life.  Outside of Leadership, she has been involved with the school through her work in Best Buddies and Odyssey of the Mind.

As president, Saporito visualizes many plans for the future of Seminole. Primarily, she wants to bring the school together with anti-bullying messages. She also wants to expand community service at Seminole High School.

“I want people to know that Seminole is a united school that wants to help and make a difference,” she says.

DeBose expresses confidence that Saporito will continue taking leadership in a positive direction after he graduates. “I like to believe that each year we just keep getting bigger and better and I have no doubt that Nicole will take the program to an even higher level next year. I passed the torch down my friend and she will do an amazing job,” he says.

“I think the thing about my campaign that caused people to vote is my creativity, my willingness to go beyond just the “vote for me” pitch. I want everyone to have a safe and happy environment,” says Saporito.
Saporito will begin her year as president this August, and she hopes to use the position the student body has elected her into in order to make a difference that will last.