My name is Parker Olson and I am honored to be your Student Body President for the Year. One of my favorite quotes from one of the best Quarterbacks of all time is by Tom Brady. After his career he shared a speech when getting inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame one of my favorite things he said was “To be successful at anything you don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t: Consistent, Determined, and willing to work for it.” 

This year our student council decided on the theme of Earned not Given. This is a very important motto to me in my life and I think that it’s important in everyone’s life to become successful at whatever it is you want to do. In life we can’t expect things to just be handed to us, we have to be willing to work for it even when the result is not guaranteed. Even when we don’t get what we think we want, it’s where we ended up in the process of showing up and working hard. Because it is not only about the outcome, it is about who we become in the process! We become better people, and learn and grow from that experience so that we can continue to be the best version of ourselves we can become. 

And even though our theme is “earned, not given” Honestly we all have had things given to us that we didn’t really do anything to deserve or earn…whether it was a gift that was given to us…a talent or blessing we have received…a second chance at something…in any case, none of us really earned those things so what do we do in those situations? 2 things! 1, express gratitude…tell those around you thanks who have made your life better and number 2, pay it forward. In other words, find someone to serve or give something to, even though they didn’t necessarily earn it. Remember Gratitude and service when we are given things that we haven’t earned. 

That being said, there are things that can happen in our lives that will not just be given to us – we have to earn them! Just like Tom Bradys quote it shows that no matter what you do in life and no matter where you are right now you can be successful you just have to be different and act differently than everyone else by working hard and being consistent. Our football coach, Coach T has taught from the very beginning if we want to be successful this season we have to show up to things on time, be prepared, and work hard. This can be applied to all of us no matter what we want to do. If we follow by these principles and outwork everyone else you can be successful.

I want to make this school year a good experience for everyone and have a great time this year. I want to meet as many of you guys as I can this year and if you need anyone to talk with, I’m always here to listen.