Decision 2014: Students’ Votes tallied

The student body at Southern University has spoken, and the results are in. To recap the top offices, Shanice Mae Sam, a 20-year old Biology major from Marice was voted the 84th Miss Southern University and A&M College, Nicholas Harris was voted SGA President, and Sara Ann Martin was re-elected as  SGA Vice-President. Announcements were made outside of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union after a full day of voting on Monday. 
Sam, The Southern Sweetheart, won the hearts of 709 students while Erin Prestage followed behind with a total of 664 votes.
“I sat in my car to wait for the results because I was feeling overwhelmed. When I found out that I won I couldn’t stop crying,” said Sam.
“I’m proud that the students came out and really supported me. There were times during the week when I was feeling down, but my campaign team was really solid. I could not have made this a victory without them,” Sam ended.
Sam’s platform includes implementing the Keeping Southern Beautiful campaign, SU Against Violence, and Promoting African American Health initiatives. 
Students voted Nicholas Harris, a 20-year old Biology major from Rosedale, as their 2014-2015 SGA President who won against his opponent Charissa Carroll in a 933 to 438 vote.
“I’m glad to have the students on my side, but now I know that it is my job to keep the students on my side,” said Harris.
“I am dedicated to finishing my year out as Junior Class President, but I will start planning now to reconstruct SGA, get students involved, but overall, I’m just ready to start working,” Harris ended.
Harris’ platform includes re-mastering the “Blue P.R.I.N.T of SU.” His acronym: P-Pride, R-Recruiting and Retention, I-Integrity, N-Networking, and T-Transparency.  
Sara Ann Martin, a 21-year old Political Science major from Denham Springs was re-elected by the students to be the 2014-2015 SGA Vice-President. Her platform is, “improving campus issues with a hands on approach.” 
The student body continuously referred to Martin as, “The one they can count on.”
“I’m overwhelmed with the amount of student support because that means that they still believe that I can give them the change that they need,” said Martin.
Students had numerous opportunities throughout last week to meet and get to know the numerous candidates who were running for various  SGA  positions. 
Along with voting for the three overall positions, students also voted for their class President, Class Queen, Chief Justice, and four referendums.
These referendums included: 1) Support of a new self-assessed non-refundable fee of ten dollars for a Campus Security Enhancement, 2) Support of a new self-assessed non-refundable fee of ten dollars for Campus Beautification, 3) Support of a non-refundable fee of ten dollars for Southern University Sustainability Initiative Fee, and 4) Support of a self-assessed non-refundable fee from one dollar to three dollars for the Jaguar Ambassadors.
Students voted “no” to all referendums except for Referendum 2.
Garry Williams, a senior criminal justice major from Shreveport served as this year’s election commissioner. 
Williams took on the extensive task of overseeing this year’s candidates and their campaigns. 
“My job was very difficult at times, but the candidates made it great. All of the candidates loved what they were vying for so seeing the expressions on their faces after the election results was the most enjoyable part,” Williams ended.
Runoffs will take place on Wednesday April 9th in the Cotillion Ballroom.