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Schools

Student Government President Aspires To Career in Politics

Patch caught up with Alonso High senior Jacob Morello to talk about his tenure as the student government leader and his future.

Jacob Morello, student government president at Alonso High School, aspires to be a politician. And his inviting nature is one sign that he may be well on his way. Morello, a senior, exudes confidence and poise beyond his 18 years.

“Jacob stood out when I met him," said Deborah Isaac, student government advisor. "I knew he was going to be one of our future leaders at Alonso. There are kids that come in your life and leave an impression, but he is truly remarkable. You don’t get to meet a lot of kids like Jacob.”

Morello is the school's salutatorian and his extracurricular activities read like a college admission board's dream  list: In addition to student government president, he's the National Honor Society president and a member of the Beta Honor Society, Science Honor Society and Leadership Council. He also participated with Teen Trendsetters, a mentoring program for Lowry Elementary students. Morello plays in the school's orchestra and wrote the song that will celebrate Alonso’s 10 year anniversary this year.  

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Just recently Morello learned he is a National Merit Scholarship finalist. Patch caught up with the senior to learn some of the secrets to his success:

Patch: How did you campaign and what made your campaign stand out?

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Morello: We were allowed five posters around the school, word of mouth, friends campaigning, and even through social media – friendly campaigning saying “vote for Jacob.” I don’t know if it was the campaign as much as what I had done over my four years as far as class leadership that helped me be recognizable for student government president.

Patch:  In this position, what are some of the changes you’ve brought about?

Morello:  We did a toy drive and canned food drive through Metropolitan Ministries. We wanted to do something different to get the whole school involved, so each club would do a drive and donate to our school drive, allowing each club to contribute to the school-wide efforts. We’re working on recycling and keeping the school clean campaigns, which are going on right now. We are also working on a seatbelt campaign and texting while driving. Everyone will take a pledge that they won’t text while driving and we will give them a keychain. We want to raise awareness.

Patch:  What would you say is your school’s best quality?

Morello:  Spirit and unity. We have so many different students from so many different backgrounds. Diversity is such a unique aspect of our school.

Patch: How will you use what you have learned in your high school experience for your future?

Morello:  I will carry with me the connection of who I am serving because this position isn’t just a position, but a job. You are serving your school and that’s one of the things I will always treasure.

Patch: What are your plans after graduation?

Morello: I’ve been accepted at University of Florida and Florida State and am awaiting Harvard, which will be in April. I only applied to the schools I would consider going to. I haven’t decided my major and I am keeping the doors open. I’m interested in political science, economics and on the other side, engineering. My dad was an engineer and I am strong in those subjects.

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