2011-2012 Executive Officers
The following students are elected officers of the 2011-2012 SGA Executive Committee.
President: William Case
Vice-President: Sara Dir
Treasurer: Emmanuel Darko
Secretary: Emily Kidd
Public Information Officer: Robert Walker
President
My name is William Case and I am originally from Kingston, Jamaica. I grew up in a home with two loving parents and five siblings. My admiration for my mother’s unwavering strength, and my father’s unyielding compassion has left a lasting impression that compels me to emulate those qualities as best I can. I spent most of my childhood in Jamaica. My mother was an elementary school teacher and my father lectured at a university. So education was always a big part of my life and its importance was instilled in me from an early age.
I am a biology major, and currently in my third semester at CPCC. I serve as the Public Information Officer for the Student Government Association, and I am also involved with a few other clubs on campus. CPCC is great school and I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to be a part of it, but sadly, our completion rates fail to reflect that sentiment. In my experience serving as the Public Information Officer, I have identified three areas in which we could affect a considerable amount of change that would cause a paradigm shift in our completion rates in the short term.
These areas are:
• To create an environment where success is second nature and every avenue we explore leads us further down that path of success.
• To promote student involvement in campus activities through innovative ideas like Spirit Night. Increased student involvement equals increased completion rates.
• To create student awareness for the resources available on campus, and to foster a sense of accessibility to those resources. What’s the use of having a Student Success Center if students aren’t aware of it, or feel comfortable utilizing it?
As a college student I am fully aware of the challenges that are associated with pursuing higher education. Despite those challenges, I am constantly encouraged by the sheer determination of my peers who persist no matter what obstacles they face, in order to see their educational goals met. The determination of my peers gave birth to my passion for educational policy, and it is the driving force behind all I do on campus. This is our school, and every student attending not only deserves a chance at success, but they also deserve to feel like that success is attainable, you deserve to feel like that. Thank you.
Vice-President
My name is Sara Dir and I am an International student completing my second semester at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). I was born in Serbia, but I spent the entirety of my life in Canada. Once I graduated from high school in Toronto I decided to pursue post-secondary education and after taking the time to do some research I decided to enroll to Central Piedmont.
The time that I have spent at CP has been remarkable considering the short time frame. The positivity and friendliness that I have experienced from students and instructors has impacted me greatly. I feel compelled to become the vice president of the student government at CP because of the opportunities that would allow me to make a difference on campus. At Central Piedmont I would like to share my ideas in order to encourage other students to be more involved in our school. I think that a positive and welcoming environment is essential to learning and growing in an academic environment. I would like to be able to use my abilities as a leader to encourage success and participation among my fellow peers.
As a student in high school I attended a Youth Advisory group for three years. I became a youth leader and took part in planning and supervising activities, mentoring youth, and helping with setups and clean ups. In high school I volunteered in assemblies, student outreaches, and student tutoring sessions. I have always held academic excellence in high fervor and I plan to complete my Bachelors in Education or Linguistics and then complete graduate school. I have been nominated for a CPCC Outstanding Student Award for the Associate in Arts and I am a proud member of the Phi Theta Kappa academic organization. My sheer determination and ability to work with other students will assist me in succeeding as a member of the SGA executive committee.
Treasurer
My name is Emmanuel Kwame Darko, but most call me ‘Manny.’ I am from Ghana and I am currently perusing an Associate Degree in Arts. After earning my Degree, I plan to transfer to a 4-year university to earn my Bachelors Degree in Finance and Accounting.
Fall 2010 was my first semester in CPCC. It has been a great experience in terms of classroom and extracurricular activities. Through determination and commitment, I performed well enough to be recognized by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the International Honor Society, of which I am a contributing member. I am also an active member of the African Student Association (ASA). As a member of the CPCC chapter of Mu Alpha Theta (MAØ), the Mathematics Honor Society, I volunteer my time to tutor students with math assignments.
I desire to serve my fellow peers with respect and dignity. I decided that serving the Student Government Association (SGA) would be the best means to enjoy such an opportunity. I need your vote to join the executive committee of SGA so that I may use my leadership qualities to promote student involvement in the college and to provide a better academic atmosphere.
In my country, I participated in the school’s ‘Prefectural Board’ (similar to the Student Government Association). I was in a position to advocate for the student body and to organize the students to achieve a common goal. I am eager to devote my time, energy and skills to serve you, the students of Central Piedmont Community College.
The recent CPCC Student Leadership Conference has brought to light my leadership skills and other potential leaders acknowledged them as well. One message I received from a team member during the conference stated, “Manny! You are honestly a very outgoing and positive person. Seeing your desire to better yourself has really encouraged me to think about changing things in my life.” -Sara Dir
I intend to run for the SGA executive office of treasurer based on my financial skills and career path. This position would benefit from my knowledge as a business student while allowing me to humbly serve you.
Secretary
I have been involved with Student Government for the last two semesters learning and excelling in many aspects of personal growth, and academically. Currently, I participate in: Minority Male Mentoring (mentee), Peer Mentoring (mentor), Student Government (representative), and Trio. In addition, I am proud of being an Adult Non-Traditional Student (ANTS) associated with Barry Gilmore at Levine Campus, hoping to soon extent that organizations information here at Central Campus.
My candidacy is suitable to this position, because of my willingness to interact with all students without prejudice, outgoing spirit and determination, self-awareness and compassion, and professionalism combined with different life experiences from employment. These experiences include but are not limited to: manufacturing, transportation, and office assistant.
