Endorsement of Shivani Jha for Freshman Class President

ZOEY LARSON | SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 | FEATURES

The Devil’s Advocate endorses Shivani Jha as the Freshman Class President for the 2021–2022 school year. Jha has a list of plans, highlighted in her platform and  performance during the debate, on how to create the best possible freshman experience in today’s ever-changing world: focusing on improving communication, addressing mental health issues, and helping the environment. She will use her previous volunteer experience to help her be a suitable leader of the Class of 2025 while relating to students and uplifting their voices.

Jha plans to foster good communication between students, officers, and administrators through the use of a class Remind, Instagram, and Teams, as well as by working with other school groups like the Student Government Association. 

“Being class president isn’t a one person job,” she said. “The whole grade has to pitch in.” 

Another important issue she plans to address is the mental health of students and managing the stress students feel. Addressing the audience at the September 1 debate, she said, “We’ve acknowledged that it exists, but we haven’t done too much to support you.” Jha is open to talking to any student who needs support.

During the debate, it became clear Jha already connects with those she hopes to represent, a vital quality in a candidate. When questioned about the qualities she possesses that will aid her presidency, she admitted she is a procrastinator. She was met with many understanding students, smiling in agreement and putting their thumbs up at her provocation to indicate they are too.

Jha stands apart from her fellow candidates because of this relatability. She acknowledged that it will be challenging to represent the opinions and backgrounds of the diverse student body of Stanton College Preparatory School, but that she will overcome this by exemplifying student voices along with hers, according to her platform. 

“I want to make sure that the freshmen feel heard,” she said.

When asked about any past experiences that would aid in her effectiveness in this position, Jha explained her 50+ hours of volunteer work she did for the Giving Closet Project to help students in need, as well as the fundraising she has done. By running a concessions booth, she raised over $400 for the Hindu Society of North East Florida.

Her past volunteering will help her achieve these goals, as well as help with organizing and carrying out trademark Stanton events. Jha said she is looking forward to events like pep rallies, which will require the organizational and fundraising skills that she possesses because of her volunteer work. She even has a plan to boost spirit at the event. 

“At Bridge they did this one cheer, ‘SCP is really hot,’ I’m going to make my section scream that,” she said.

Jha has acknowledged the challenges she will face as president and thought of solutions. She has a unique relatability to students, and if she applies her scholastic perseverance to this office, the Class of 2025 will have an enjoyable and improved first year at Stanton. Jha’s proposed policies, coupled with her persistence to help the school, its students, and the environment make her a promising candidate. For these reasons, the Devil’s Advocate endorses Shivani Jha as the Freshman Class President for the 2021-2022 school year.