Sam Greco named Student Council President

The final runoff election took place in Advisor groups on April 15th, pitted Greco against Lauryn Isford '11. Votes were tallied and Greco was named the winner by the end of the day. With the surprise 350th Day vacation on Friday April 16, Greco addressed assembly on Monday April 19, thanking the many students who supported his campaign and voted for him. Congratulations to Sam for his hard work, and good luck for a successful year in office.

The following is Sam Greco's acceptance speech:

Good morning,

 

I am Sam Greco, and I am here today to proudly accept my election as your Student Council President. I remember the first time I learned of this job, I was in sixth grade and I had heard about my esteemed predecessor, Kit Gallant’s, election and I knew that someday I wanted that to be me. So, five years later, here I am and I have you all to thank for that. This opportunity means so much to me, more than you’ll ever know, and I am eternally grateful to you for bestowing this honor upon me.

 

If you ask most politicians what they don’t like about politics, a lot of them will bring up campaigns. I am no different. Campaigns are often difficult, stressful, and if they don’t go well they can be quite painful. However, I believe that there is a silver lining in this grey cloud and that is that very often in campaigns you see the best in people. Campaigns push people to reach for new heights they didn’t once think possible, and in doing so they find out the great things they are truly capable of. Whether it be within yourself, your esteemed opponents, or your supporters, running for office can show one at their very highest capacity. Without my campaign team I have no doubt that I would not be standing here today. So for calming me down, pumping me up, consoling me, commending me, pushing me, occasionally hitting me, but most of all always being there for me, guys I owe you more than I’ll ever be able to give back, you have done so much for me that I am humbled in your presence. Throughout the grades, there are over 40 of you, some of the finest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing, who I’d like to thank, but I will not bore you all with those names, so guys, you know who you are, thank you so much for everything.

 

Many of you here have never run for Student Council, but let me tell you that there is no greater way to show dedication to and love for Hopkins than by asking to serve her. Those of you who have gotten up here in assembly and made announcements know that the first time it can be a little nerve wracking. What you probably don’t know is how it feels to get up here and give a speech with 685 people sitting there not only listening to you, but also judging you. Well let me tell you, that takes guts. You really need to love Hopkins, to believe in Hopkins, and to respect this student body in order to do that. You need to not only have courage but also integrity, dedication, commitment, honor, and care and there are no three people who I know encompass those admirable traits better than Matt Amatruda, Rahul Dhodakpar, and Lauryn Isford. They offered to make many sacrifices in order to serve and please you and for that they deserve nothing but your most hallowed respect and honor, so for everything that they have done for you and our school, I ask you to join me in a round of applause for my most honorable fellow candidates. To Matt, Rahul, and Lauryn – I want to thank you all for an excellent race, commend you on fine campaigns, and exalt you for bringing many excellent and prudent points to light. I assure you that, if you wish, I would be more than willing to meet with you and discuss your plans further and see how we can work together to make them realities.

 

I meant everything I said in my speech and during my campaign. When I said I would represent your choice and your concerns, I meant it. When I said I wanted to hear from you about what is important to you, I meant it. I am here to make sure that every single one of you has a voice to the faculty and administration. If you have a problem, come to me. If you have a concern, come to me. I am here for you. We are a truly incredible group of students at one of the finest schools in the country and I believe that working together there is no cap on what we can accomplish. Our limitations are defined only by where we will not dream, and I encourage you all to dream big. I am looking forward to a great year next year, one where everybody's ideas are heard, everybody's goals are met, and everybody's dreams are realized.

 

I am Sam Greco and I am standing before you today as your Student Council President. My job is to serve you, to guide you, to lead you. I encourage you all to contribute, to innovate, to step forward, and to make a difference. Everyone in this room is capable of achieving the incredible. I have no doubt that together, next year we will accomplish every great thing we may aspire to.

 

Thank you very much.