It’s that time again: election season. While America’s national election is far from resolved, at North Atlanta High School, results are in. On Friday, August 24, the winners of the 2024-2025 Student Government Association election were officially announced via loudspeaker. Shortly thereafter, representatives were named in the Warrior Weekly newsletter. Votes have been counted, and the people have spoken. Now, their representatives have the floor.
SGA is an organization and club whose members are selected by their peers to serve as representatives for the student body. Each grade level has its own PR Rep, Senators, Secretary, Vice President, and President. An executive board, consisting of a PR Rep, Parliamentarian, Secretary, Vice President, and President, leads the operation. Teacher Jennifer Page oversees the club and works with its members. An integral piece of student government is bridging the gap between students and teachers. “One of the most important aspects of SGA is connecting the student body with the administration,” said 10th Grade President Mia Yoo.
Once every other week, the SGA meets to discuss the school year, various events and fundraisers, and student input. Currently, their focus is on Homecoming, but the SGA has numerous other responsibilities to contend with, from social activities to fundraisers to charity drives and more. Of course, in all things, student perspective is heavily emphasized, and above all, Homecoming and Prom take precedence. “These are big events for students,” said Parliamentarian Elisabeth Gosha. “We try to help them have the best time.”
Gosha is on the SGA executive board, working with President Corinne Evans to address student concerns and desires. This is her first year in student government, but she has held other leadership positions before and is familiar with what it takes to be an effective representative. She has received many requests for homecoming and promises good themes forthcoming.
Like this year’s other SGA Reps, Gosha expressed gratitude to those who entrusted her the position, and she pledged to do right by her cohort. 10th Grade Senator Franklin Pickens, also a first time member of the association, shared that sentiment. “Thank you so much for the opportunity,” said Pickens. “I’m excited to be senator, hopefully we can implement good things for the school this year.”
Also adamant about being the voice of the people, 10th Grade President Mia Yoo and 10th Grade Vice President Azuka Otuonye stressed soliciting student opinions. Their guiding question is ‘What differences do kids want to see?’ They want to make students’ dreams a reality, and they intend to make an impact this school year. “My goal for the year is for the students’ voices to be heard,” said Otuonye. “I want to know their concerns, what difference they want to see in the school, especially academic wise or event wise.”
As they embark on the 2024-2025 term, North Atlanta’s SGA members promise to serve students and carry out their duties well. Some are in the position for the first time. Others are seasoned politicians. Regardless, all will be given the chance to walk the talk as the year wears on, and NAHS will find out what its politicians are made of.
