Emma Savarese (‘25) has been at ASIJ since fourth grade, so she is among the crop of students who considers ASIJ their “home.” Yet before becoming a member of the ASIJ community, Emma lived in four different countries across three different continents, growing up around a variety of cultures and people. She says her broad international experience has made her outgoing, friendly, and constantly on the lookout for fresh perspectives. And as a candidate for Student Body President, Emma thinks those qualities can help her strengthen the root of student government: a forum through which students are comfortable and able to voice their concerns.
In her third year as a StuCo representative, Emma is no stranger to the inner workings of student government and the impacts it has had over the years. She understands that the student body wants to see the claims made by StuCo every year put into action, and believes that she can be the one to oversee StuCo’s move towards actively implementing the wishes of the student body. She’s well aware of the perception that many students have regarding our student council: StuCo organizes class competitions and fun events.
While community building and event organizing are definitely vital parts of ASIJ’s culture which are overseen by StuCo every year, the belief that these are the sole actions taken on behalf of the student body is something that Emma hopes to change.
Emma says there needs to be “greater communication between the Student Council and the student body, because we have a more active role than it seems.” She said, “I think it’s important to make sure that there is that bridge and connection there because that is what StuCo is meant to be.”
Emma believes StuCo is most effective when the student body is able to observe the direct impacts their voices are making. By disseminating consistent meeting and initiative summaries, Emma hopes to increase transparency between StuCo and the student body.
Emma also recognizes that oftentimes the student body doesn’t feel as though they have control over student events and class competitions. She says that this can easily be remedied through implementing polls and voting systems, whether that be through Edsby, Instagram, or other social media platforms.
Emma has noticed that student spirit and ASIJ’s sense of community are always heightened during sports events such as basketball games, where a large portion of the student body attends to cheer. She hopes to draw upon this energy by implementing “theme nights”—coordinated events where onlookers wear similar outfits or costumes—which she believes will garner a larger audience for games.
Working together with the Athletics Council or the Service Council would, in Emma’s view, allow for an increased frequency of themed events. Simultaneously, as President she hopes to draw greater attention to events such as TedxYouth@ASIJ, the FOFA talent show, and the spring musical, driving support for a wide range of talents in the ASIJ community.
By enhancing both student life events and transparency between StuCo and the student body, Emma aims to draw the high school community closer together.
