Caroline Hendricks Student Board Why have you chosen to run for a ...

Caroline Hendricks
Student Board
Why have you chosen to run for a position in Marian High School’s student government?
I have decided to run for a second term for Marian Student Board as I am an experienced, confident,
caring leader, who wants the best for our school while reaching out and representing the Class of 2014. I
am eager to share my opinions and those of my classmates, with the upperclassmen. I look forward to
their feedback in working together toward a unified goal of making Marian a place where everyone feels
they belong.
What is your personal definition of a leader?
My definition of a leader is one who is confident, responsible, caring, energetic, engaging, open, and an
organized individual. A leader must have good listening skills, courage to voice their opinion, advocate,
work hard and communicate well with others. A leader shouldn’t go along with something just because
everyone else is. They should make decisions based on information obtained in being open to others,
weighing the outcomes on what is the best for the whole and being a supportive role model for others. I
believe I possess all of these characteristics, and would continue to make great contributions to the
student board.
What skills or talents will you bring to student government? How will these traits enrich the
environment of Marian High School?
I have many skills and talents that I will bring to student government, some of which are: previous
experience serving on student board, serving in leadership roles throughout the year, dedication, good
listener, independent thinker, confident, caring, organized, speaking out for what I think is right even
though others disagree, making good decisions, strong verbal skills, problem solver, and having a strong
work ethic. These traits will enrich Marian High School because they will give me the opportunity to get
to know my fellow classmates and advocate their interests in promoting unity throughout the school.
What innovative ideas or goals do you have for Marian High School? What plan of action will you
take to see your goals achieved?
One of my ideas, in addition to promoting school spirit with organizing the various events (Walk-A-Thon,
Surprise Day, Field Day, Blood Drive, etc.) is to have a student representative serve as a member on the
overall school Board of Directors. We need a representative to voice by empowering the students’

opinions and reactions in an effective way to changes that are being considered by the leaders of the
Board, who support the mission of Marian. If I am selected as a member of the student board I will carry
out my goal by communicating this idea to other members and the officers of the student board.
What activities have you been involved in at Marian that will assist you in being a strong and able
leader in student government?
As a Freshman I have followed the advice of my Big Sister, Michaela McDonald, who encouraged me to
participate in as many activities as I am interested in. The activities that I am currently involved in at
Marian are: Baking Club, Polar Plunge, Book Club, Latin Club, Spirit Club, the winter play: “The
Crucible,” Ninth Grade Choir, chair of the Blood Drive, and 2010-2011 Student board. These activities
allowed me to meet many people of different backgrounds but similar interests; and getting to know their
opinions. Outside of Marian community, I serve on my parish’s Core Team for Youth Group and have
volunteered at the many events of the Alzheimer’s Association e.g. Memory Walk and Oscar Night. I
was also a volunteer photographer for the UNMC Wellness Fair, and volunteered at the Catholic Charities
Irish Fest. These outside activities allow me to represent Marian in the community.
In the past, I served two terms on the Junior High Student Council and Crew Team for Youth Group. I
would consider these leadership positions as an opportunity to have developed the skills needed for
Student Board as they share similar leadership skills. I was able to balance outside activities including
two stage productions, in the lead role, which required anywhere from 6- 20 hours of outside time per
week while maintaining good grades and absent for only one student board meeting. This not only shows
that I am able to balance work and play, but also shows I am very dedicated to everything I put my time
and commitment into.
This spring as the only freshman, I was chosen to participate in the Washburn Leadership Challenge
Event in Topeka, Kansas. While there, I went to various training workshops focused on the aspects of
leadership, building on these skills, while allowing my leadership skills shine. In further building on the
leadership qualities I participated in all of Lunch with a Leader series and the Leadership Training
sessions offered throughout the school year.
I also have outside interests while having fun with friends. I enjoy hiking, bike riding, horse back riding,
reading, babysitting and dog sitting to support my fun!
In closing, it would be an honor and a privilege to serve a second term on Marian’s Student Board!
Thank you for your consideration!