Club Presidents of “The High”

SGA President Thalia Benoit at the most recent pep rally.

By Jose Rodriguez, Staff Writer
October 11, 2022

A club is an organization of people united by a common interest or goal. However, the club’s president takes in that responsibility of uniting us all. Is it a desirable position though? Is it as it seems?

President’s Duty Calls

It’s imperative that clubs have presidents who are capable of responding to any and all events. They are the glue of the group. They are responsible in assuring that a club runs smoothly and that events are planned accordingly as well.

Rosalyn Morin, President of Science National Honors Society (S.N.H.S), said, “During my presidency, it really opened my eyes on what a president actually does. The role of the president is to ensure that there are effective and productive events throughout the year, as well as, the responsibility to establish a connection with their members and officers. This will ensure that communication is very well coordinated.”

One’s affinity for a club isn’t sufficient to keep it up to standards. They must be able to put in their dedication and lead the organization towards success. They responsible for maintaining its focus and sticking to the club’s mission.

Is being club president for everyone?

Unlike other club positions, being a president doesn’t only require enthusiasm and optimism for the club, but it also requires leadership and ambition.

There are many other club positions such as: 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Corresponding and Recording Secretary, and Historian.

Senior Fernando Quijada, president of National Honor Society (N.H.S), distinguishes the characteristics that are fit for a president. To him, “A president must be dedicated and determined to successfully lead a club. Being a president requires more work than any other position. From planning activities, filling out paperwork, and executing them thoughtfully. A president must be present at every stop of the way.”

The president is always at the scene overlooking the event other officers follow instructions to ensure tranquility and smoothness.

BETA and NHS advisor Dr. Hueck advises, “Not everyone can become a club president. A good president requires a lot of time and effort. It requires commitment and dedication to the club. It also requires someone that tries to involve everyone and incorporate their ideas. A good club president leads the club and doesn’t control it. It requires someone with a strong will, but at the same time someone with calmness.”

Furthermore, Ms. Garcia, advisor for the College and Career Club, states, “Someone who is fit to be a club president should be willing to put in the work that a leadership position entails. May I not forget to mention that the president of my club must be someone who has grit and will hustle to get their needs met. Being president of a club isn’t easy, but it is definitely a rewarding experience.”

Importance of a President

Presidents are important because they take on the role of initiating contributions and socialization. It takes great courage for someone to declare their best interest for an organization. Without club Presidents there would be no direction.

Valeria Urquia, a senior member of Photography Club, has been through three different presidents and establishes that the most important trait that all three presidents had were “Love for the club and their desire to better it.”

HOSA president Kimberly Escobar shares, “By taking the initiative in obtaining a leadership role of a president, one gains a great amount of leadership skills not only in the classroom/school but in the real world. When I first became president of HOSA, I was unaware of what I got myself into. I now had to create budget plans, socials, designs for apparel, and sign contracts too. No other officer position is equivalent to a president so it’s crucial to have someone who understands the importance of having all these responsibilities.”

Appreciation of Club Presidents

Club presidents are the ones we look up to, but do we appreciate their work? It’s difficult to manage a club and all its members; however, someone’s got to do it.

Kathleen Delgado, president of Future Educators of America (F.E.A), states, “Being a club president is important and should be appreciated. We serve as leaders and assist our club officers and members on their skills of being better students, time managers, and creative members. This guidance will help future members become presidents and and keep the club active.”

As club presidents, students need to embody the key function of influencing the behavior of others. It takes a tough cookie to be able to handle the pressure and expectations of club members and advisors. Whenever given the chance thank your hard working Presidents for keeping the club thriving and living up to the expectations to the clubs mission.

Not as it Seems

Although it may come with great joy providing socials and leading a club towards success, there are great drawbacks too.

Jose Castillo, president of Gay Straight Alliance (G.S.A), expresses “Being a club president is time consuming and it’s especially tough when things don’t go the way as one expects. Being a student coincides with my presidency, leaving me with less time than the average student to relax, finish homework, and complete my college essay. Additionally, it’s difficult to be an excellent club president when one is constantly under a strain of time.”

When one becomes a president they continue to learn new responsibilities and skills, so they have to be critical thinkers.

Jose also states, “I want to execute many of my ideas, but its difficult to accomplish when I have several other important things to complete as well.

How can you run for presidency?

Someone becomes president of a club when they show commitment to the organization they are a part of.

Typically, the group will have officers’ elections at the end or at the commencement of the school year; however, to be elected as president, Sophia Marticorena, President of College and Career Club (CCC), shares, “The person running for president should be hardworking, well rounded, and someone who isn’t afraid to put themselves out there. I believe that being president of a club is an amazing opportunity to learn leadership skills and make many connections in your school community. As president of the College and Career Club, I’ve learned how to keep my thoughts organized in the midst of madness. So far, it’s been a privilege to work and assist others to their success.”