This is the time of year for Graduations and thanks to social media, I’m seeing friends that I grew up with start families and watching their kids grow from little on up to Graduation. Even though we don’t see each other as much as we did 25+ years ago, it is a great way to stay in touch and send quick messages. I recently saw on Facebook that Ed & Mary Roma’s youngest son (Jake) was voted School President of ACCHS for 2017/2018! It was great to hear and see the successes of my friend’s son and from my alma mater. I met Jake in his younger years and to hear about the strides he has made through the years, really hits home! Ed & Mary have been long time friends. I met up with Jake & his parents recently for dinner to congratulate him personally and ask a few questions.
I asked about what he has been up to the last few years, here’s what he had to say:
- What inspired you to get involved in student government?
My inspiration for student government derives from the urge to be involved. I have always wanted to be involved in my class and interact with all my classmates. Being student body president allows me to affect the lives of the students and try to make memorable moments throughout their high school careers. Student council has allowed me to break open and be myself around school. I have come to know so many of my good friends through student government.
- How has wrestling had an impact on your high school career?
Wrestling has been challenging throughout my high school career. If wrestling has taught me anything it is how to manage my time. Having two wrestling matches and six midterm exams in a span of three days is difficult. Wrestling has taught me that anything worth having has taken hard work and dedication to achieve.
- What has been the most rewarding or memorable moment so far in your evolvement in student government?
The most memorable moment of my student government experience was moving from representative to class president going in to junior year. Coming in freshman year I did not know many people in my class, but through the years clubs and activities like student council helped me to expand my horizons. By the end of sophomore year, I was elected class president and I felt that I had become a new person during those two years. I had broken from my shell and become the person who I wanted to be.
- What are some changes that you or the student body would like to be instilled for the 2017/2018 School Year?
For the upcoming school year, our main priority as a student council is school unity. Administration counts on us as an organization to plan and execute events such as Catholic Schools week.
- What was your favorite part of the Inspiring Hearts program?
Witnessing plastic surgery was no doubt my favorite part of the Inspiring Hearts Program. I had the opportunity to witness a real surgery from just feet away. This truly allowed me to see if I could handle the blood and hands on part of being a surgeon.
- For many juniors and seniors, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what they want to do after High School. What advice can you give to other high schoolers to help them figure out what to do, or where to find help?
The best way is to keep an open mind and ask yourself what you would enjoy doing when you are older. Balancing your strengths and weaknesses and asking people in the fields you are interested in what their life and job are like. Joining programs to expose yourself to real world experiences will help in narrowing down the wide range of possibilities.
- Is there any person, or life moment that has helped shape you into the person you are today?
If one person has shaped me into the person I am today it is my mom. Although we find ourselves arguing about frivolous subjects, she has always been there for me. Teaching me how to balance my time and showing me to always strive for what you want, no matter how challenging the task.
After listening to Jake answer each question, more questions popped up and I was drawn into his enthusiasm and intrigued by the zest he has for his school, friends and family! The passion and excitement rolled smoothly as the conversation continued and time passed by quickly. He came across to me as strong leader, friendly, kind, easy going, passionate for his beliefs, goal & family oriented, and most of all strives to succeed in what he puts his mind to. These are all great qualities that will help him in his future, as he plans on studying medicine and will be looking at colleges this summer. With the new position as School President, comes a lot of responsibilities and from what I gathered, he’s up for the challenge!
I’ve read over his answers a few times and there’s several lessons to be learned, whether for the student or for adults. The family values that were instilled in Jake are the same that I grew up on and continue to practice through my life. He is a “true inspiration” for all!
I’d like to express my congratulations to Jake in his accomplishments today, and in his future endeavors.
Sincerely,
~ Joe Scrizzi
Class of ‘83
As time passes, distance is created, don’t let the distance become too great. I always hear people say, “if only I had more time.” Reconnect with family and friends.
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