As the second semester began for Gonzaga’s Class of 2027, a call was sent out for leaders of the freshman class. The Gonzaga Student Government Association (SGA) held an election to fill two open spots for freshman class representatives. With many underclassmen throwing their names into the election cycle, two emerged victorious. Zach Peterson ’27 and David Curry ’27 now represent the Class of 2027 at weekly SGA meetings on Tuesday mornings in Ms. Caitlin Farley’s student activities office.
“We are very excited to have these two join the SGA. They bring energy and a great spirit. They both won decisively with a record number of freshman voting in this election.” Ms. Farley, director of student activities and moderator of the SGA, said.
Curry and Peterson jumped at the opportunity to put themselves out there and became leaders within their class early on in their Gonzaga career. Mr. Jim Kilroy, assistant headmaster for student life, challenges students each year to “say yes to Gonzaga” and these two freshmen found their way to “say yes to Gonzaga.” The opportunity to meet upperclassmen and gain valuable leadership experience while being a freshman excited the two of them.
“SGA excited me because it is a great opportunity to meet some upperclassmen and to see the leadership around Gonzaga,” Curry said.
Peterson is excited about this new role in the community.
“I want to help the community as much as I can; I want to raise school spirit. I want to just want to represent the class” Peterson said.
In the meetings, the freshman representatives’ voices and opinions matter as much as every other member of the SGA. Richie Pienieda ‘24, SGA president, is very excited to have new perspectives apart from the SGA’s conversations.
“We are pumped to welcome the new freshmen to the SGA as they bring a new voice and perspective that is crucial to our goal of serving the entire student body. Their energy and enthusiasm spark a fire in our already committed team that will undoubtedly result in new events and ideas,” Pineda said.
New perspectives and viewpoints will provide the SGA with a better understanding and opportunities to interact with the freshman class. The freshman representatives showed a level of leadership in the community that they will continue to grow in their four years on Eye Street.