Student Senate Leaders for 2016-2017

Perhaps you know him better as the spokesman of the Wednesday morning announcements, but this year’s Student Senate President is senior Ryan Mullin ‘17. Ryan is a model of excellence for involvement at Ignatius as he plays on the football team, leads Labre and CAT, participates in Ignatians for Peace and Justice, participates in Pallbearer society, and tutors Spanish as a part of the NHS. These are just some of the many ways that Ryan gets involved in his school and his community. Ryan’s favorite teacher is Mr. Arthur, and he loves seeing him every day in Health class. “4th Period health class last year was the highlight of my day, everyday, and I would venture that Mr. Arthur would agree,” Ryan says.

He has a very positive view of our high school’s current state, loves the communal feel of the student body, and can’t wait to come to school every day. However, he doesn’t think too many people can say the same thing. As far as the Wildcard, Ryan takes a very skeptical view. “I feel as though it complicates things for students and workers alike. I’ve talked with the ladies who run the cash register and they agree it complicates the process and they want it back to the punch-in style.”

As Student Senate President, Ryan strives everyday to make our school great by adhering to the status quo. Ryan doesn’t see any pressing need to change this school’s tradition of excellence, and wouldn’t want to ruin it for any future generations. By the time Ryan graduates, he doesn’t see a whole lot of change aside from the unveiling of the new Marian Mall. Ryan also doesn’t see the need for any additional powers to be given to class representatives. “I think the duties that the Presidents and Student Senate have a good amount on their hands throughout the year, and I think that anything else would become a bit extraneous, so to that end, nothing,” Ryan admits.

Accompanying Ryan Mullin in his duties this year is Student Vice President Joe Ertle ‘17. Joe likes to spend his free time watching the Cleveland Indians as well as other sports. His favorite teachers are Mr. Martin, Bob Corrigan, Dan Corrigan, Mr. Brennan, and Mr. Pasko.

Joe is incensed over the new Wildcard payment method finding it lacking in its promises. “I wish the payment method in the cafeteria had not changed”, Joe scoffs. “It seems there are a few flaws in the system, but the fact that neither students nor the always-helpful assistants can tell how much money a student has left on his Wildcard is the worst aspect.”

Joe plans to improve the quality of St. Ignatius by uniting the student body and by getting more students to participate in the life of the school with their classmates. “The reason St. Ignatius students like going to school is because there are great people all around and there is always something to look forward to and to do after school. While our community is great now, we would like to see students be even more unified and supportive of one another, in every endeavor.”

In terms of the Student Senate, Joe doesn’t like that it is too preoccupied with menial tasks, such as grilling hot dogs. He would like to shift the focus of the Senate away from this monotony and more towards programs to ensure that every student loves his Ignatian experience, and so that their voice can be heard.

Leading the senior class this year as president of the senior class is Brian Cook ‘17. A graduating senior with a penchant for athletics, Brian enjoys playing rugby, following fantasy football, and watching all things sports. His favorite teachers are Mr. Dybicz and Mr. McKenna, but he couldn’t narrow it down any further. Inside of school, he’s involved in rugby, managing hockey, Pallbearers, and the National Honors Society.

Brian still is unsure of his plans for college, but is strongly considering Boston University, Indiana University, and a few other schools. In terms of music, Brian likes country, rock, and the “tender stuff” and is an avid listener of Bruce Springsteen. “I do not go anywhere in my car without my Bruce CDs”, Brian insists.

When prompted about the new ‘Wildcard only’ payment method, he was adamantly opposed. “I think the Wildcard was a huge mistake, the lines are always backed up and it seems like the whole idea was counterproductive”, Brian says.

While discussing Brian’s role as class president and how he can improve Ignatius, he comments that making Ignatius “better” is a treacherous task because of the school’s unrivaled greatness. However, he plans to do anything in his power to make these four years an amazing experience for all students. Brian can only see Ignatius heading in the right direction by the time he graduates, because of our outstanding faculty, staff, and students. Brian’s only concern is that the President and Student Senate leaders should have more say in miscellaneous topics that aren’t necessarily addressed by the administration nor the student body, such as dress downs.

Next up is Junior Class President, Chris Larsen ‘18. Chris’s favorite teacher by far is former Saint Ignatius math teacher Brother Cordero. Chris describes him as a down-to-earth, humble guy, and elaborates on how Cordero made geometry so easy to comprehend. Chris is very upset that Brother Cordero has left Ignatius, wishing he were still a teacher here.

In terms of student life, Chris believes that the status quo is exceptional this time of year. “Even though Harambe is not with us anymore, the weather is nice, sports are winning, and not too many major tests or projects yet have led to a general good feeling around campus,” Chris explains.

As far as the new Wildcard system, Chris doesn’t really understand the problem with the old one. He believes that the lines will be long either way and that adding the the juggling act associated with reaching into back pockets while both hands are full doesn’t solve anything.

As class president, Chris plans to make our great school even greater by improving the day-to-day life of students and some of his plans for doing this include karaoke, movies in the Breen, and more raffles for good causes. However, Chris recognizes that raising the bar is no challenge for the faint of heart; he plans to do whatever is possible to improve the school as a whole.

By the time Chris graduates in 2018, he sees Saint Ignatius as the “forefront of education, athletics, and arts”, not only in Cleveland, but throughout the state. Furthermore, Chris urges the freshmen class to engage more in academics and service than his class did as freshmen. As far as the powers of class presidents, Chris wants more control over the cafeteria. “Maybe we could make some changes for the better in there”, says Chris.

This school year the president of the “wise fools” is Dillion Gallagher ‘19. Dillion loves to draw, write, read literature, watch copious amounts of Netflix, and hang out with his friends. Some of his favorite teachers include Mr. Ptak, Mr. Beach, Mr. Buzzelli, and Mr. Bob Corrigan. He believes that these teachers are all very amicable and down-to-earth, and are great at their jobs.

Dillion is very satisfied with the current campus life of Saint Ignatius. “We’re doing pretty well,” Dillion says, “This school is a fine institution all across the board, and definitely one of the best in the state”. However, Dillion is slightly dismayed about the lack of attention given to the Sophomore class. In his mind, many people glaze over the class as a group of jaded, know-it-alls, who don’t care about much. But this is not so for Dillion; he believes his class is capable of much more than expected. “They [the administration] should pay more attention to us”, Dillion comments, “We have a lot to offer to the school.”

When it comes to the Wildcard policy, Dillion takes a much different approach than the other presidents. He actually likes it. “It’s a much smoother system”, Dillion explains, “It’s quicker than waiting for the clerk to ensure that it’s you.”

As far as his plans for Ignatius, Dillion vows to push for a more active communication between the student body and the administration. “If the students get in touch with their representatives”, Dillion reasons, “then they can more accurately represent them”. By the time Dillion graduates, he believes that although there will be a lot of physical change on campus (i.e., the Marian Mall), students will forever stay rooted in the core principles and values of Saint Ignatius. When asked about the power (or lack thereof) of class presidents, Dillion responded that he wasn’t as concerned about the lack of power as much as he is the neglect of that power by previous class presidents. He believes that what he and the other class presidents say should be taken with more seriously it is now.