Class VP to SGA President: Hannah Ferguson takes a step forward

BY SABRINA WONG

During April of the 2017-2018 school year, the Student Government Association (SGA) elected new representatives for the upcoming year. While each class receives their own set of officers (president, vice president, treasurer, recording secretary, corresponding secretary and historian), SGA as a whole has their own set with an additional vice president. SGA is a large group of people who work together to organize school events, fundraisers, dances and more. This year, senior Hannah Ferguson is taking on the role of SGA president.

“I’ve always imagined myself in [SGA] since middle school, and actually getting the chance to run for [president] felt like a dream,” Ferguson said. “Being able to directly influence the major events that go on brings me a lot of joy. I have so much fun relaying ideas and concerns from students in my classes to a group of kids who really care as much as I do.”

Ferguson has been a part of SGA since her junior year, when she was elected the Class of 2019 vice president. The leap to an entirely new position her final year of high school has been a tremendous change in her life.

“Going from vice president of my class to president of the entire SGA was a huge jump,” Ferguson said. “The amount of responsibility has increased insanely and I am the person that all the officers expect the most from. Being president is definitely a commitment, but one that I am … gladly willing to take on.”

“Being able to directly influence the major events that go on brings me a lot of joy.”

During Ferguson’s campaigning process, she made sure that students from all grade levels were aware about her running for president in any way possible. While mainly focusing on word of mouth, she also made flyers which were placed going down the walls in each stairwell. In addition, Ferguson made her own buttons with cute designs to pass out to some of her closest friends.

To many, Ferguson is more than just the SGA president. Known for her strong ambition to be successful, she constantly gives her all at everything she does. When given a task, Ferguson completes it to the highest of her abilities.

“Hannah has always been focused and determined to be the very best she can be for herself and her peers,” senior Naiya Martinez said. “She is driven to make a difference and make the class of 2019 the best year yet.”

Being the president of SGA comes with many responsibilities. Ferguson always has her hands full, whether it be communicating important information to SGA Adviser Natalie Flaten, or making executive decisions to help the student body in whatever way she can.

“It’s like [Hannah] lives and breathes SGA.”

“Hannah cares about her fellow peers and what they want for their high school experience,” senior Shay Bailey said. “It’s like she lives and breathes SGA.”

As president, Ferguson wants to make new changes. One of the ideas she has in mind is holding more than one pep rally this year. She is aiming to have the second one take place during spring, more than likely in the third quarter.

“I believe [the pep rally] would encourage more school spirit [which] seems to dwindle throughout the year,” Ferguson said. “It would be another spirit event for our students to look forward to and another opportunity for us to come together as a school.”

Being an active officer in SGA has helped Ferguson beyond the level of being a leader. As both an involved and dedicated student, she benefits from the time management and organization skills learned.

“She has an impeccable work ethic and knows how to prioritize her wants and needs.”

“Hannah’s one of the smartest people I know – if not the smartest person I know,” senior Kaitlyn Gualillo said. “She has an impeccable work ethic and knows how to prioritize her wants and needs. Everything she does [in school] is completed thoroughly and turned in on time.”

Not only is Ferguson the newest president of SGA, but she is also a four-year member of the lacrosse team. Additionally, she is involved in a variety of other clubs, including: National Honor Society (NHS), National English Honor Society (NEHS), Key Club and Liberty in North Korea (LINK).

Following her time at CCHS, Ferguson wants to pursue a career in the field of business. After graduating this year, she aspires to attend the University of Florida (UF) for two years, allowing her to receive her associate degree. Afterwards, she wishes to transfer and get accepted into a more prestigious school, such as Cornell University which is an Ivy League school located in Ithaca, New York.

Ferguson has her eyes set on all the goals she wants to achieve. SGA is one of many things that have inspired and impacted her greatly, and she aims to continue her successes throughout her lifetime. Even with the demanding responsibilities that being the president of SGA comes with, she still manages to find a balance between her extracurriculars, academics and everything else.

Photo by Kayla Florenco