1. education
2. school

Student Government Association Candidates
President
Melissa Ribbeck
When I was in 8th grade I decided to run for president at my
middle school, and now again I am placed in the same position,
except, now I am running for SGA president. My goal back then was
to create the best memories from the remainder of time we had left
in school. I want to continue that thought, but now in high school
which is expected to be the best four years of our lives. I want to
remember this once in a life time experience and make the best of it.
The position of President holds many responsibilities; I believe
that the duties of president are to represent the student body as a
whole by assembling and holding meetings which initiate small
changes and decisions in order for students to enjoy their high school
days. Some ideas I have concocted for next year are to add
fundraisers and collections/drives for underprivileged schools in South
America, although such ideas are not concrete and I’d love to take
input from my fellow classmates in order to incorporate all their ideas.
My main goal is to unify the student body. Create an actual
family out of our classmates and regain some of our school spirit that
often seems to be lost. School spirit to me means school pride, which means going all out for
pep rallies, creating new events, participating in spirit days and clubs and just being able to
share laughs and be proud of the school we attend.
I hope to have gained the confidence and votes of all my classmates, thank you and I
hope to be your next SGA 2015-2016 president.
Javier Caso
My name is Javier Caso and it would be my
privilege to become the Student Government
President. As President it is my duty to be the liaison
between administration and the student body. I will
also be responsible for running SGA meetings and
will preside over SGA with the advisor. Displaying the
qualities of a leader and a creative individual will
allow me to reflect the views of the entire school
body. Most importantly, my desire is for my peers
and I to leave an imprint on our alma mater while
creating standards fit for the future. Being a member
of Student Government I would like to integrate the
academic aspects of education along with the recreational activities of our school. Ultimately,
together as Falcons we will foster a sense of pride and school spirit in every corner of John A.
Ferguson Senior High. School spirit, in my opinion, is a cornerstone in the bond created between
individuals and their peers. This does not only mean wearing spirit shirts on Fridays, but
representing what we call “Falcon Pride”. As President I will “lead us on in truth and honor”, and
spread the “ever loyal, brave, and true” attributes found in every Falcon to ever walk the halls.
Together, we are determined to “rise up to every challenge” while “keeping our goals so high”.
We will always remember the four years that Ferguson had to offer. “Forever we will honor thee, hail
to Ferguson High”. Always remember, Stay Fly Falcons! VOTE JAVIER CASO SGA PRESIDENT 20152016!
Vice President
Gema Jacomino
Ferguson students,
I am Gema Jacomino and I would like to be your
Student Government Association Vice President. Many
people might run for the sole purpose of college
applications, but I can promise you that is not my case. One
of the major reasons I want to run for office is to try and make
next year one of the most memorable years we’ve yet to
have. I would also love to be Vice President in order to be
able to take in consideration the voices of the students at
Ferguson. When making decisions in planning activities or
school events I will make sure everyone’s voice is heard,
making my peers highschool experience as enjoyable as
possible. I will do my very best to fulfill my position prominently
and bring forth new ideas that will be very beneficial to not
only Class of 2016, but the entire student population.
In a school of almost five thousand students we will not always share the same ideas but I will
always be open to others opinions and beliefs. As Vice President I know I will be dealing with
extreme responsibility. Keeping track of the point system and working closely with the other
board members as well as filling in for the president in lieu of their absence are a few of the tasks
I know I will be dealing with. With your help, I envision many ideas for the upcoming year, making
a great school even better. Highschool is said to be some of the best years of our lives, my main
goal as Vice President is for my peers to be able to graduate and agree on that statement. The
definition of school spirit goes way beyond wearing the school colors on peprally days or buying
a spirit shirt. True school spirit takes much more thought and plays a key role of your highschool
experience. School spirit is all about representing your school proudly, even outside the walls of
Ferguson. Being able to wear that “Falcon Pride” on our shoulders is exactly what I believe
school spirit means. It would be a privilege to be your upcoming SGA Vice President and I
promise to do my best to exceed your expectations!
Patricio (Pat) Rivera
I want to take on the role of Vice president; I believe I
have what it takes to play this part. I’m full of ideas and
ambitions, I’m open minded and committed. I know I have my
fair share of competition, but as wonderful as my opponents
are, I’m confident I have what it takes to benefit this class as a
whole.
I’m an individual who believes in progress, who
believes in hard work, and who believes in teamwork. John A.
Ferguson sr. High isn’t just a place for learning in a classroom,
it’s a place that turns into your second home; the people who
sit beside you in lunch and classes become friends and family.
As your future Vice President I ensure you I will focus day and
night on bettering the school in ways the student body sees fit
and making next year the most enjoyable and exciting one
yet! This is not a one man job, I know the opinions of all
freshman, sophomores, juniors and senior are vital in the decision making process for the 20152016 school year.
Some events I’m sure you’re all looking forward to like homecoming, and pep rallies; and
they will be thoroughly planned to ensure everyone has a memorable time. I would like to have
your support in helping plan and include everyone’s request. School spirit is crucial! Having pride
and excitement about our school will allow us to better enjoy the time we spend in it and out of
it.
I’m Patricio Rivera, and I hope I can count on your vote for your 2015-2016 Vice
President, remember that you do matter and I would love the chance to help the students voice
their ideas to create amazing, and adventurous memories from this exciting new school year.
I.T Coordinator
Carolina Rodriguez
Hello class of 2016,
My name is Carolina Rodriguez and I am running to be SGA I.T
Coordinator for 2015-2016 school year. I would like to start off by
stating the responsibilities I would have to be aware of. As I.T
Coordinator, I would be responsible for the maintenance activities of
the Activities webpage. Also, I will help the rest of the board plan
and organize the activities. In addition to contributing to the board, I
would need to maintain my grades to the best of my abilities and
know how to manage my time.
As a candidate, my reason for running is not only to be involved with
school activities, but also to apply my knowledge and creativity
towards the events coming our way. As we all know, we have many
activities just around the corner and I would like to contribute my
ideas to make it our most memorable year. Creating themes for
events, designing shirts and even revolutionizing new activities can
make 2015-2016 a great year.
School spirit isn’t just about wearing black, gray, and white. School spirit means the
positive attitude that you show others. It helps not only to bring different groups of students
together, but also unites our school as a whole. Behavior and attitude towards representing your
school shows quality of school spirit.
Voting for me, as your SGA I.T Coordinator, will result in adhering to all your wants and needs to
make this year the very best. I also believe that my experience and personality will offer new
ideas, intellect and communication within the entire student body. I will do this by sharing my
intentions and solutions with my peers, and my hope is to get feedback in return. Thank you and
good luck to all!!
Publicist
Samuel Tate III
High school is a time that should be filled with fun and
great memories. As publicist I would work tirelessly to ensure that
everyone has the best experience possible. I have the attention to
detail and accounting skills needed to handle all finances for the
Student Government Association. I want to go above and beyond
and I am willing to put in as much time as it takes. The role of
publicist is highly important as we could not have any activities if
they are not paid for. I will ensure that budgets and sales are
prepared properly and efficiently to give you an experience that will make you proud to be a
Ferguson Falcon.
Jacqueline Pando
Fellow Falcons,
As this wonderful school year comes to an end it has without a doubt
been a memorable one. From pep rallies to football games, this year has
served as a bridge to the next chapter of our lives here at Ferguson. As a
friend and as a classmate I now ask for your vote as I am running for
publicist. As publicist I will be responsible for advertising/ promoting
anything and everything Ferguson. My goal is to not only help raise
school spirit but to keep it there. Pep rallies have always been something
to look forward to as we come together as a student body to represent
our school and our overall achievements. From academics, athletics, arts
and clubs, Ferguson is a highly talked about school all around. Being the
largest high school in Florida, with so much to offer, not only should we
be representing our school but we should be proud to be Falcons. Being
that we are such a large student body, I also plan on making sure all
students are aware of any and all activities around them. In order to enjoy high school to its full
potential I feel as though everyone should have the same opportunity to participate and get
involved. As publicist I will make sure to keep everyone up to date through social media,
announcements, and reminders. A vote for me is a vote for you. Let me be your voice.
Thank you
Jacqueline Pando
Jesus Ibarra
My name is Jesus Ibarra and I have been a
John A Ferguson IB student since Freshman year
and I have been seeing the arduous work of
previous publicists since the very beginning of my
graduating class's arrival. They have inspired me to
keep the tradition alive and incorporate my own
vision for our school. I plan on spending sleepless
nights innovating and planning future publications
in order to keep all students involved. This is what
school spirit is all about, being so involved with your
school to the point where it's almost an extension
of yourself. I believe I am the best candidate for
this position because I am experienced in this field.
Sophomore year, I was runner-up in a school- wide
competition for a business project. I was exposed
to many successful businessmen and women who
taught me a lot about commercial and
advertisement. I also received exposure in my
parent's business. I organized advertisement and
public relations. I am an outgoing and cheerful
individual; therefore this position seems to be
almost made for me. I feel that if I am elected into
office I will improve John A Ferguson for the better.
Historian
Yoel Hernandez
Hello, my name is Yoel Hernandez and I’m
running for SGA Historian. I decided to run to
become more involved with my school in another
way other than sports. I feel as if I would be more
in touch with the senior class as a whole. I regret
not taking advantage of opportunities like these
earlier in my high school years, so I hope to
redeem myself next year and really satisfy a
productive senior year. I believe that my
responsibilities as Historian are to effectively and
efficiently document any and all SGA activities. A
picture is worth a thousand words, so a
compilation or scrapbook of all the event photos would be a great way to remember a year’s
worth of accomplishments. Photographs are the best way to preserve precious memories. I
would dedicate my time to making sure that everything is accounted for. Knowing how to
manage my time, being organized and having the proper equipment also makes things easier
for me to get done. I consider myself qualified enough to fulfill the role of Historian. As a dual
sport athlete I’ve enlarged my communication skills and have been able to really work well and
get along with others. My sense of determination will allow me to accomplish any tasks brought
upon, and help those around me. I am a people person and enjoy helping others. I’m all for
school spirit and getting the most of the high school experience. Being part of the board would
let me become closer to my senior peers and doing my best to ensure a very prolific year.
Taylor Diaz
I am Taylor Diaz and for my upcoming, and final year at John A.
Ferguson I have decided that I would like to be Student Government
Association historian. I have decided to run for a spot in the Student
Government Association because I feel like I can make a difference in our
school. Most people who run do not show or have an actual interest in the
wellbeing of the school or their fellow peers, but only do it for the sake of
college applications and use it to their own benefit. However, this is not my
case. I will be going on to my fourth year at Ferguson and throughout these
past years Ferguson has become somewhat of a second home to me. I have
grown to love the school in which I attend because it is a place where I have
been able to meet wonderful people and create beautiful memories which I
will carry on with me throughout my life. However, it is clear to me that not
everybody feels this way about our school. As I came to this realization I
decided upon running for SGA to voice not just my opinion but the opinion of
the whole student body in order
For the upcoming school year I envision a year filled with activities
focusing not just on the senior class, but the student body as a whole. In order
to raise awareness of activities I am willing to do all that I can along with the fellow members of the association.
Hopefully with your help I will be able to assist in making the following school year one for the books! Some ideas I
personally will have as historian is to have more school wide fundraisers in order to give back to our community. I would
also like to raise awareness on the importance of keeping our school environment clean so that it is a healthy
atmosphere for all of us.
In my opinion the idea of school spirit goes past attending pep rallies and wearing school colors. Personally I
believe true school spirit comes from passion held in the heart and soul. With passion one can accomplish anything and
the purpose of school spirit is to represent how your high school has assisted you in accomplishing your goals, as well as
giving you the best years of your life. School spirit is when you are proud to represent your school even outside of the
walls of Ferguson. School spirit is something all Ferguson students share in common because it binds us to one another
and makes us whole. At the end of the day being proud to say “Yes! I’m a falcon and I wouldn’t want it to be any other
way!” and wearing that Falcon pride shirt is what defines and displays school spirit.
Treasurer
Daniela Villasmil
My name is Daniela Villasmil and I'm running for
SGA Treasurer. Since freshman year I have found a passion
in leadership and helping others. Since then I have gained
valuable skills and experience in order to succeed in any
position. I believe school spirit is shown through a students
strive to make their school a better environment. This can
be shown through pep rallies, class activities, assemblies
and even dressing up for spirit week will demonstrate the
maximum amount of spirit. Joining clubs and organizations
in our school makes you part of a community that
demonstrates passion for the success of Ferguson.
Cheering on our successful sports teams and other
performers allows students to demonstrate a high amount
of spirit.
As treasurer I will be holding the important task of
handling money and paperwork that comes with money. I
will also be working with my fellow board members to have
a yearlong of successful activities for our Falcons.
Secretary
Paula Larreal
When it comes to the position of Secretary at John A.
Ferguson Senior High School, responsibility, determination, and
integrity are major factors that must be taken into consideration.
The candidates must take student affairs seriously and truly take
different student ideas into account and I believe that I am
adequately qualified. My intentions for running for office of
Student Government are to satisfy the needs of the student
body and take appropriate action whenever a situation may
arise. Certain characteristics of a Student Government officer
are to have leadership and an authoritative disposition. Ever
since I enrolled in Ferguson Senior High, I have had a passion to
strive above others and share my ideas. My ability to listen to the
student body of Ferguson Senior High and want to provide them
a chance to voice their opinions elucidates the reason why I am
best suited for the position of secretary. I believe my
responsibilities in this position are to make sure everyone is on
the same page at the end of each meeting, actively display my
pride in JAF, and involve the student body in activities and
events. Choosing me for this position means that individuals will
have someone they can rely on and someone whom will make
sure that their opinions are voiced and not overlooked. School spirit is something that I have
always strongly encouraged amongst the people I’m around. High School is something one has
the opportunity to experience only once, thus meaning my peers and I should have as much
school spirit and pride as possible. School spirit also means wearing your spirit shirt every Friday,
going all out on pep rally days and spirit week, and having a blast while participating in most
school activities. Being a role model to others and inspiring people to be potential leaders is
something I wish to accomplish as an SGA member.
Melanie Pacheco
Good afternoon! For some of you who
may not know me, my name is Melanie
Pacheco. I’m a candidate for SGA
secretary, and I’m asking for your vote. A
secretary takes notes in meetings and
keeps the attendance; the secretary
should be able to focus and have good
communication skills. I’m a strong believer
that we all have creative minds and wish
to structure some new forms of activities
to make the school a better place to
receive our education. As your secretary
I’ll make sure all the representatives will be
present in each meeting discussing
thoroughly all the ideas and be brought
to their concern. I also have great ideas
for our pep rallies and games to support
our Falcons. Another reason I am qualified
for this job is because I will fulfill my
responsibility and duty of being a
secretary. I will be the best person I can
possibly be, and will dedicate myself to this school and my job as a secretary. Lastly, I have spent
my whole academic life at John A. Ferguson Senior High School. I am proud to say that I am a
Falcon. Remember a simple idea can inspire, motivate, and produce change so never think
you’re idea isn’t a good enough. No ideas should go to waste and I’ll make sure of that.
Please consider voting for me. I won’t let you down.
Liuba Flores
My reason for running for secretary for
the Student Government Association is
to help organize the events and
meetings that happen within the school.
I would like to make this school year less
stressful by being on the board and
fulfilling what the position entails. My duty
as secretary is to take notes in order to
keep organization for every meeting that
SGA has and also to be responsible to
make everyone’s job in the board. Some
ideas I have for my position is to organize
fundraisers, with approval, in order to
relieve some costs for homecoming. I
believe you should vote for me as
secretary because I care about what
events are planned in our school and I
would like to be part of those plans so I can maybe suggest ideas that the student body wants. It
is important that our school is satisfied with the decisions that Student Government makes. The
board consists of 8 members with 8 different ideas but there are over 5,000 students that all have
distinctive ideas, which aren’t heard. I’m going to try my best to hear and consider every
opinion. School spirit to me means that our student body is proud to be a Falcon. It is important
that we show support in school activities and games. I believe pep rallies should be a place
where we can all come together and show our school spirit freely. I am going to be committed
to the board to make this year unforgettable. I, Liuba Flores, got your back.
Head Representative
Alex Alvarez
Ferguson students,
My name is Alex Alvarez and I would like to be
your Student Government Head Representative. It
would be an honor to obtain this position in order to
voice the opinions of the entire school body. Being able
to be a part of all the activities throughout the school
year has definitely been a motivator that has led me to
campaign for office. I am determined to not only reach
the high expectations brought out upon me, but to
exceed them in any possible way. As Head
Representative of John A. Ferguson it is my job to be
responsible of organizing and holding meetings along
with planning activities for students to partake in.
Working alongside the rest of the student government
selectees, we will create an exciting environment for all
incoming freshman, sophomores, and upperclassmen.
Everyone is entitled to their own views, and as a Head
Rep, I will facilitate the process and pursue an outcome
fit to convey all opinions. Pep rallies are known for being
a reflection of the school-wide spirit, also one of the
most memorable moments as the year goes by. Having a say in this event will allow me to
incorporate all the exciting talent hidden inside the Ferguson hallways. One of my many
aspirations is to possibly vary the uniform policy as the year goes on while following our code of
conduct, such as shorts day. Overall, it would be my pleasure to be a reflection of the school
spirit of Ferguson as SGA Head Representative. Always remember no goals too high, where
Falcons fly!
Danielle Quijano
As Head Representative you hold the responsibility,
passion and integrity for your school and its activities. I
believe whatever you do you must do it with a giving
heart. I have the drive and motivation to run for Head
Representative because I want to give back to my
school. I Danielle Quijano, feel that I will exceed the
expectations the students at John A. Ferguson Senior
High may have. I believe the responsibilities for this
position are to plan accordingly with all events and
rest peacefully assured that the student body along
with administration is pleased with all decisions made,
that it may also follow the guidelines. For example,
spirit week should be about getting along as a family
and sharing the pride you should have as a Falcon,
it’s time to come up with new fresh ideas and make
2015-2016 the best school year yet. School spirit is
more than just being adrenalized for a pep rally. It’s more than congratulating the football team
for their win or the baseball team on their homerun’s. School spirit is having the pride to be a
Ferguson Falcon. You should vote for me simply because I’m known as a “social butterfly”. I get
along greatly with everyone and focus on whatever questions or concerns you may have. I am
a hardworking, vigilant student who loves to give her 110% and take the weight off of people’s
shoulders, I put people’s needs before mine. The great Dr. Robertson once said that you will
spend most of your time here in school. So why not make the best memories?
Veronica Fernandez
For the school year of 2015-2016, I m running for Head
Representative for SGA. I’m Veronica Fernandez and I
believe I will make a great officer. I have leadership
qualities but I’m very open to new ideas as well as my
own. I work well with others and believe in working
together as a team to benefit everyone.
In my opinion, high school isn’t just a learning
experience, but it’s also the best years and memories
you make throughout it. It’s where you learn to grow,
make friends and figure out who it is you want to be. It is
where you meet friends that can last a lifetime. It is
where As Head Representative I will work hard with the
opinions of the student body to make next year such a
memorable year and help better the school to benefit
everyone. I don’t want students to feel like their opinions
don’t matter because these are our high schools years
and along with the other officers I want to make our
years exciting.
Along with ideas of others, I will plan many new activities to achieve more student involvement,
so that we students as a whole gain more school spirit. I believe the voice of the students matter,
and for planning new events in the school, such as other dances, and activities in pep rallies, I
would like to hear opinions from the whole student body. I plan for pep rallies, to be more
student involved so that it is enjoyable for everyone. As a future Head Rep I’m very committed
to making next year exciting for everyone. My goal is for students to enjoy being in school and
participating in every event to become more involved and bring up the school spirit. School
spirit is what makes your high school years, and enjoying the time spent in school. Having school
spirit not only gets you involved socially with classmates but as well as academically.
I’ve been very involved in sports and events in this school, and I’m ready to take on the
responsibility of being Head Representative of SGA for the school year of 2015-2016. Once
again, I’m Veronica Fernandez, and I’m looking forward to planning events and listening to your
opinions and suggestions to make the upcoming school year not only amazing, and enjoyable
but most of all memorable.
David Adan
Ferguson scholars,
My name is David Adan and I would like to become the 2015-2016
Student Government Head Representative. It would be my privilege to reflect
the school spirit displayed throughout our alma mater. I would like to run for
office because it would be a tremendous opportunity to have a say in school
activities and events held as the year goes by. As Head Representative I shall
be responsible for holding meetings and planning activities for student body
representatives to participate in. Being an open-minded and creative
individual, many ideas come to mind when I think of what I want to
accomplish while in office. One of these tasks would be to create a thrilling
environment for all my peers. In the process, my ultimate goal is to promote
school spirit throughout every Ferguson hallway, and in every Ferguson
student. School spirit is a common misconception in high schools worldwide. To
me, for example, school spirit is the representation of one’s admiration to the
school they belong. In other words, not only displaying the colors of John A.
Ferguson, but wearing our “Falcon Pride” on our shoulders even after we exit the gates on the
last day of our senior year. Ultimately, my desire is to parallel all views and opinions of my
classmates and to integrate them in the Falcon culture. Being the co-founder of the T.R.S.
organization, for example, has allowed me to develop leadership qualities I will display in my
time as Head Rep. Vote David Adan for Student Government Head Representative, and Stay Fly
Falcons!
Sabrina Garami
School spirit to me is not held to one meaning. School
spirit to me means being able to hold my fellow peers
up and represent them proudly. It means to be
excited to come to school and be able to partake in
all it has to give. It means to be able to say that name
of my school with pride and a smile on my face all the
while being able to help the school grow at the same
time. Being a student at John A. Ferguson for the last
three years, I’ve been able to watch the school grow
and progress wildly. The opportunities and activities
the school offers are beyond any of other schools that
I have heard of. It is for this reason that I would be
honored to be able to represent my school as a 20152016 Head Representative of the student government.
As Head Representative I take it upon myself to
organize all meetings for the student government in
order to bring to the people exactly what they are
asking for. I take it upon myself to organize fundraisers and all types of charity events and
activities for the student body representatives to be able to participate in.As Head
Representative I plan to expand next years activities in order to give the people different
experiences. I would be perfect for this position because I take student government very
seriously. I’m excited about being able to plan these activities for everyone and look forward to
everything that I have in store for the school year.