Do you know who’s running for SGA’s Fall 2020 elections? We asked the candidates to share a bit about themselves and why they are running for office.
Technology Representative
Graham Gilbert (He/Him)
Major / Concentration
Data Science (Big Data Analytics)
Home City
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
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What should students know about you?
I am friendly and always looking to lend a helping hand. My goal for this position is to be there for the student body that I’m representing and help in any way possible by answering questions and addressing concerns. I plan on having an “Open Email” policy, where anyone can reach out to me whenever they need to.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for this position because, as I stated above, I want to be able to help students with any questions or concerns they may have regarding the degree programs of study they are pursuing. I want students who I am representing to feel like they can come to me for assistance or a step in the right direction. Once being a student who struggled to find the answers myself, I want to try to ensure that none of the student body that I’m representing will feel the same way I once did.
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
SGA will most likely be the only extracurricular that I’ll be involved in this semester. However, that could change.
What do you do for fun?
For fun, I enjoy playing video games, watching shows or movies, and listening to music.
Melia Rodriguez (She/Her)
Major / Concentration
Computer Science- Software Engineering
Home City
Miami Florida
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What should students know about you?
I have experience in representing the student body as I was Vice President of my class in high school and plan to carry on that work here. I’m committed to making this as safe and comfortable an environment as possible for everyone. I’m here to listen to your suggestions and carry out your will.
Why are you running for this position?
I want to work towards bettering our school in any and every way possible and I think working with both students and faculty is the best was to do that. We the students are the reason why the school is here. Everything around is exists for us. For our benefit. To help us succeed and come out on the other end better more knowledgeable versions of ourselves. Therefore, we should have some say in the happenings of the school and how the school could be improved to better help us moving forward.
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
I recently joined NSBE and SWE.
What do you do for fun?
Swimming, painting, playing Minecraft, and cooking are some of my favorite hobbies.
Engineering Representative
Alexander Gage (him/his)
Major / Concentration
Engineering Physics
Home City
Venice, Florida
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What should students know about you?
I am a freshman, I have experience in representing my peers, and I would like to consider myself approachable. Feel free to email me about any questions or concerns regarding SGA ([email protected]).
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for this position because I like to interact with my peers, and I have found representing them is a good method to do this. I also have been doing engineering related extracurriculars all of high school and representative actives for about that long, so this position seems natural to me.
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
Purple Fire robotics, Firebird Association, Ultimate Frisbee
What do you do for fun?
I talk with friends from high school over discord, and play video games when I can.
On-Campus Representative
Ezekiel Huynh (He/Him)
Major / Concentration
Computer Science
Home City
Tampa, Florida
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What should students know about you?
I want anybody who lives on-campus to reach out to me and let me know their ideas or their concerns, regardless of their nature. I want to embody the idea of being“representative” as much as I can manage, so reach out to me.
Why are you running for this position?
I’m running because I’ve become personally invested in this campus, its people, and its continued wellbeing. I’m not going to be satisfied just occupying the role. I intend to use it to its fullest extent to change this campus for the better, primarily through proposals for new ideas, not just moderating old issues. My biggest focuses are mental health awareness, campus conservation, sustainability and recycling, and our interactions with Coastal Ridge. That’s bound to change and grow as the year goes on, so if you’ve got anything you’d like to add to that, I’d be happy to listen.
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
Layers Media, Improv, Rhythm Game Club, and the occasional CAB event
What do you do for fun?
Gaming, reading, writing, photography
Off-Campus Representative
Julian Melendez
No response received.
Freshman Representative
Matthew DeCicco (He/His)
Major / Concentration
Mechanical Engineering
Home City
Winter Haven Fl
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What should students know about you?
I am an outgoing person who likes getting involved in things around campus. I am very passionate in everything I do. In highschool I was in various tech clubs that did everything from building computers for teachers, to designing the lights for our school theatre productions.
Why are you running for this position?
I believe I can make a strong impact on the school by being a voice for the freshman class. In addition to being a voice for the freshman class, I can also be a bridge for them to find new relationships and opportunities. I am also looking to add things to my resume and I think this is a perfect fit because I can help people and also grow my experience.
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
I am involved with the archery club, ASME, purple fire robotics, and hopefully I will get an SGA role.
What do you do for fun?
I spend most of my time long boarding around campus and talking with everyone I see.
Breanne Menikheim (She/Her)
Major / Concentration
Mechanical Engineering
Home City
Clearwater, Florida
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What should students know about you?
I am Breanne Menikheim and I am born and raised in Tampa, Florida with my two small dogs. I have been involved in leadership programs since 2015 discovering more about who I am as a leader in the world. I work well in groups and have always been well organized.
Why are you running for this position?
I want to see more female representation at Florida Poly. Through the hardships we are going through with COVID-19, there is a need for connection and representation in different ways. I will be a voice for those who feel they can not speak up, and connecting the ideas and thoughts of the freshman class. As freshman, we are all new to this university and I want there to be connection among the class, and inclusion of everyone. I want to create a safe environment where students can have fun with fellow classmates.
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
I am involved in SWE, looking to be more involved on campus through SGA, and apart of a leadership program with Landmark Worldwide.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy going to the beach, spending time with friends, playing with my dogs, and traveling with my family.
Brennan Halsey (he/him/his)
Major / Concentration
Engineering Physics: The Physics of Space
Home City
Milwaukee Wisconsin
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What should students know about you?
I am a freshman from Milwuakee Wisconsin. I am experiences with serving in leadership positions. Making things better if something I enjoy doing so hearing from people about what they love or needs to be addresses in important to me.
Why are you running for this position?
In the past, I have served on multiple student government associations. Ranging from being vice president for a Student Advisory Board, member of my schools SGA, and Officer of National Honor Society. Moreover, I have held multiple leadership positions from team captains, managers, and ambassadors.
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
None yet. But I hope to be a part of the astronomy club.
What do you do for fun?
I love taking pictures and editing them. Though the sun is now my enemy, I love to run. Also getting lost in books is commonplace.
Jaylyn Dove Leatherwood (she/her)
Major / Concentration
Computer Science
Home City
Naples, FL
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What should students know about you?
Hello, my name is Jaylyn but I go by Dove! I am a Computer Science major here at poly and I am from Naples, Florida. I love meeting new people and making friends, so please do not hesitate to say hello!
Why are you running for this position?
As Freshman representative, I would be focused on paying attention to everyone’s concerns about life here on campus. I am a great listener and want to be able to help improve the school in any way I can!
Personal
What extracurriculars are you involved in?
I am currently involved in SWE, Rotaract, and Poly Rhythm Game Club.
What do you do for fun?
For fun, I love spending my time at the pool with my friends or staying in and watching movies!
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