Student Council (StuCo) is a very important element in Palisade High School, composed of well rounded individuals who value community and school growth. While there are elections for class representatives, the Student Body Association (SBA) also has elections. They are the executive leadership council that guide StuCo. They decide what, when, why, and how things are done. There are five SBA members including the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian.
Elections for SBA were conducted on March 7th. Students were able to vote utilizing a link posted throughout classrooms. This year, the only competitive position was for Secretary, between Sophomores Alexis Lopez and Addi Pinnt. The other members raced unopposed. Results were released at 3:10 p.m. in StuCo advisor Mr. Smith’s room, 148B.
Junior Ian Shiao has been a part of StuCo since freshman year and has always had hopes of achieving success at a SBA level. For the 2024-2025 season, Shiao has acted as SBA Historian, keeping track of everything, including meeting notes and contact tools. Shiao is the central heart of SBA due to his efficient note keeping skills. For the 2025-2026 school year, Shiao will accomplish his dreams as Palisade’s SBA President.
“I’ve always been an awkward person but I have a deep care for our community. StuCo has pushed me indescribably,” admits Shiao. “As SBA President I want to make the school as inclusive as possible, and make sure everyone is heard as I know what it feels like to not be seen,” Shiao adds.
Presidents, SBA or national, have goals and agendas to improve their community. Shiao comments, “I’m not here to make false promises. As a leader the only thing that I can say for certain is that I’ll try my best. If I were to name some of my goals, it would be; making sure freshmen have an easier time transitioning into high school, school lip syncs, and building on creative events.” SBA certainly creates a positive and healthy environment within Palisade, equally caring and advocating for students heavily involved in academics, athletics, and the arts. Shiao acknowledges this as President, stating his overall goal is, “making sure everyone has an easier time in high school through our output of StuCo events.”
“I want to ensure authenticity too. I will be fully transparent with the student body even with all of StuCo’s successes and failures. I don’t believe in pretending to be perfect. Although I wasn’t voted in, I’m incredibly honored to serve in this position,” concludes Shiao.
Determined is an understatement when describing Shiao’s work ethic and persona. He shines bright in all his courses and extracurriculars. Junior Claire Powell says, “He’s confident in his ideas and understanding, proving he is willing to listen to the student body.” Powell reflects, “You can tell he’s excited.” Palisade needs a leader who expressively wants to help everyone, and Shiao fits that criterion to a T. StuCo is overwhelmingly fortunate to have such an amazing leader like Shiao.
Congratulations Ian Shiao on your new presidency! Palisade cannot wait to see what you have in store for the Bulldogs.
