by Dae San Kim ’25
Earlier this month, I interviewed each of the three slates running for Student Senate President and Vice President. Each slate was asked about their specific ideas for how they would lead the student body and why they thought they were the best qualified students for the position. You can see what they have to say about topics ranging from eating off campus to the bell schedule as well as advisory and how to revive school spirit. As we prepare to cast our votes this week, you can use these interviews to inform your decision.
(The image to the left shows, from top to bottom and left to right, Alsouss/Bornhorst, Solar/Bender, and Avery/Gibbs.)
Editor’s Note: The Eye neither endorses candidates nor vouches for the accuracy of the candidates’ statements.
What specific new ideas do you hope to bring to the school/senate, or what problems do you want to solve?
Jad Alsouss (P) & Adam Bornhorst (VP):
We want to take student input from all students in all grades to ensure everyone has a say in what goes on. We will also make advisory more entertaining while increasing the amount of places we can go for lunch to include OCB, Mitchell’s Ice Cream and EDDA coffee. We also want to give intramural sports prizes higher stakes with potential cash prizes. Jad is also strongly considering getting a buzz cut if he and Adam are elected.
Evan Solar (P) & Connor Bender (VP):
We want to ensure that we preserve school traditions in the midst of Vision 30 by emphasizing servant leadership and doing all things to God’s greater glory. We will make the student body feel the impact of Student Senate more directly and promote positive change that can be felt by all students. We want our campus to have more liveliness throughout the year with more regularly scheduled events and no dead time for Student Senate.
Edwin Avery (P) & Pearce Gibbs (VP):
One key problem that we would like to solve is a lack of student voice in administrative decisions. Obviously there are some barriers to this, but we feel that students need to have more of a voice in policies/decisions that affect us more than anyone else on campus. One specific area we know students’ voices need to be heard is in the creation of our schedule for next year. Another key problem Pearce and I would like to address is reviving school spirit; we feel that there has been a decline in attendance not only for athletic games but also in our school rallies. We also plan on having more blue and gold dress down days to show a greater appreciation for our school.
Why would you be the best candidate(s) to represent the student body?
Jad Alsouss (P) & Adam Bornhorst (VP):
There are a multitude of reasons why we are running, but ultimately it boils down to two things: 1) we love Ignatius; 2) we want to make it better. As far as why we believe we are the best candidates, Adam and I are super caring for those around us. Whether it be personal guidance or help with homework, Adam and I will always be there for our Ignatius brothers. Additionally, Adam and I are extremely hardworking. Whether it be in the classroom with us succeeding in 12+ AP classes throughout our years, on the sports field, you name it. If there is a problem, you can count on Adam and me to take care of it. Lastly, and very uniquely, Adam and I are extremely ready to take the reins and strive for change. We will make Ignatius students have easier lives, enjoy their time, and most importantly, leave this school knowing it was the best thing that ever happened to them.
Evan Solar (P) & Connor Bender (VP):
We are enthusiastic. We believe in servant leadership and we are personable. Thanks in large part to our Arrupe, L’Arche, and Labre experience, we are easy to talk to, empathetic, fun, high energy, kind and open to growth.
Edwin Avery (P) & Pearce Gibbs (VP):
Edwin: I’m a leader for numerous C.A.T. initiatives on campus, a speech and debate captain, a lacrosse player and ultimately someone who loves the blue and gold; whether it be through leading Labre and L’Arche, playing on the lacrosse team or excelling in the classroom, I take serious pride in being an Ignatian man. My vast experiences as an Ignatius student help to show my ability to represent all of you as your student body president, and ultimately be your voice to the administration.
Pearce: I’m a varsity basketball player, a straight-A student and an Empower Sports volunteer (an organization that strives to create opportunities for disabled people to be included in playing sports). I have been on the student spirit committee throughout my years on Senate and my experience will be hugely beneficial in our hope to revive school spirit.
Edwin: Both of us are very involved in the school in different ways. We are both athletes, high achieving students, and service volunteers. We feel that we each are involved in at least something that every Ignatius student should be able to relate to. Our experiences in the last three years point to our ability to represent your voice and it is of the utmost importance for us to represent each and every one of you.
Make your last pitch: why should students vote for you?
Jad Alsouss (P) & Adam Bornhorst (VP):
Jad has been an elected Student Senator for two years and has been chosen frequently to help lead the younger guys in different events. He leads the Model UN club and is a leader for multiple service initiatives at the school. He is also a Big Brother for a freshman advisory. For athletics, Jad runs cross country and plays tennis. Adam plays football and rugby and has been a mentor and leader for the younger guys to look up to. He has also been an active member of Student Senate for two years, serving as a committed senator and cabinet member. When not busting his butt on the field, Adam is involved with service, frequently going out on Labre and feeding the homeless community of Cleveland.
Evan Solar (P) & Connor Bender (VP):
We believe that we are a prime example of enthusiastic leadership. We are dedicated, goal-oriented and passionate young men with undying positive attitudes. “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” We believe that we embody this message and have proven so in our academic, extracurricular, and personal endeavors and will continue to live this message if elected Student Senate President and Vice President.
Edwin Avery (P) & Pearce Gibbs (VP):
We are hands down the best candidates in the race. Our vast experiences in the school paired with our genuine desire to lead and represent all of you should never be disregarded. When thinking about who to vote for, we ask that you cast your ballot for a candidate who really resonates with you and in whom you have confidence as being the face of the student body. Thank you.
