In an emotional goodbye and inauguration meeting Wednesday night, Santa Fe College Student Senate swore in its new Leadership Team.
Senators voted Patriel Stapleton as Senate President after former president Jeremy Pierce nominated her.
Only two candidates, Leanne Bonello and Andres Alvarez, initially ran for Senate President. Senate decided to nominate more candidates after some senators expressed concerns about Bonello and Alvarez.
“They weren't energizing me, ” Sen. Wallace Mazon said, adding he saw no passion in them.
Sen. Shannon Lewis and others expressed concern about Alvarez’s military background, worrying he may rule Senate with an iron fist.
“He’s a nice guy,” Lewis said. “(But) I feel he would be a little too military like.”
Stapleton told Senators she hadn’t put much thought into running, but added that when the Senate President nominates you, you don’t turn it down.
Some senators expressed concern about Stapleton’s lack of experience in Senate. But she saw it as a positive thing.
“I do believe that I offer a fresh perspective,” she said.
Stapleton takes office following what many senators described as a rough past two semesters, with drama and internal fighting that held SG back until recently.
Sen. Lucas Jewell said Stapleton, who recently wrote a resolution that got 70 calculators for students, was a good candidate because no one disliked her like they did her predecessor Jeremy Pierce.
Last semester, Senators attempted to impeach Pierce after allegations that he threatened to fire senators from their positions — accusations he denies.
Senators also nominated Carol Daugherty as Senate Pro-Tempore, who was also unexpectedly nominated by Sen. Alixon Fertil.
Daugherty cited her love for Senate, dedication to the chamber and her dedication to her club as why she is fit for the position.
Fertil praised her for her ideas and hard work for her club and said the ideas she has accumulated from visiting other clubs will benefit Senate.
The old and new Leadership Team exchanged handshakes, hugs and goodbyes before adjourning Senate.
Pierce swore in the new LT members and then passed the gavel to Stapleton, marking the beginning a new chapter in Senate
