Positivity Is Needed! by Joshua

Positivity Is Needed! by Joshua - December 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I were running for student body president, the number one way I would work to positively impact my school would be to help reduce burnout and restore motivation in students by making school more supportive, encouraging, and engaging instead of feeling like a joyless test-taking factory. Right now, there is so much pressure placed on standardized testing and strict rules that many students feel overwhelmed, stressed, and disconnected from their learning. At times, it feels like we are treated more like robots than young people with ideas, creativity, and potential. I believe that changing this atmosphere is the most important step toward improving both morale and academic success in our school.

Our school is part of a district that is currently classified as failing, and that label alone can discourage students and make them feel as if their efforts do not matter. When students feel defeated, their motivation starts to disappear. That is why I would make it my mission as student body president to rebuild confidence and ambition among my peers. I would work with the entire student body to remind them that they are capable of success, growth, and greatness, regardless of the challenges we face.

One of my main goals would be to bring in motivational speakers who can inspire students with messages of resilience, hard work, and self-belief. I would ask our principal to support this idea and help secure grant funding if necessary. Hearing real stories from people who have overcome struggles can shift mindsets and encourage students to see possibilities beyond their current circumstances. These speakers could address topics such as academic perseverance, overcoming obstacles, career success, and mental health, which are all extremely important for students today.

I would also work closely with our teachers and staff, especially the PBIS team, to increase positive reinforcement throughout the school. Instead of only focusing on discipline and negative behavior, I would help implement incentive programs that reward attendance, good conduct, and academic achievement. For example, I would organize monthly pancake parties for the classes with the best attendance records. This would encourage students to show up consistently and take responsibility for their education. In addition, I would coordinate movie parties for the grade level that has the least number of referrals and the highest overall positive behavior. Friendly competition between grades could motivate students to behave better and support each other.

Another incentive I would advocate for is providing small gift cards or school-approved rewards for students who make the honor roll each quarter. With about 1,200 students in our school, this would require thoughtful planning and collaboration with administrators, businesses, and community partners, but I believe it is possible. Recognizing students for their hard work lets them know that their efforts are being seen and valued, which can greatly boost confidence and achievement.

While rules and structure are necessary in a school, there must also be space for creativity, connection, and encouragement. If I were elected as student body president, I would fight to create a more positive, uplifting environment where students feel inspired to do their best instead of pressured to simply pass another test. By motivating students, celebrating their successes, and uniting our school around positivity and pride, I truly believe we could begin to change the narrative of our district and build a stronger, more hopeful future for everyone.