Brookelynn Taylor and Tamara McConnell

Writers

Student Council President Jacob Waller has hopeful aspirations for the new school year as he continues to build on his years of practiced leadership.

Having been involved in the Marlow High School Student Council since his freshman year, Waller has attended many leadership events to develop his social and communication skills, from state and district conventions to serving at the Oklahoma City Food Bank.

Waller described how StuCo has contributed to his self-development.

“I have grown tremendously as a person since my freshman year,” Waller said. “StuCo has humbled me and helped me see the world from a different point of view.”

Waller also mentioned how his involvement in the student-led organization will have deep-rooted effects on his progress following his high school career.

“The things I learned in Student Council will help me for the rest of my life,” Waller said. “I love it and nothing could replace that experience.” Not only does Waller showcase strong leadership, his optimism and positivity is well known amongst his classmates like Student Council Vice-President Elena Holguin. 

Holguin expressed how Waller’s constant love for life has affected her.

“I feel like he brings a positivity to whatever conversation that he’s having,” Holguin said. “Whenever I’m having a rough day, or I’m feeling down, he comes into the room and has this light surrounding him.” 

Furthermore, senior Grace Banks expressed her own learning experience working alongside Waller and his celebrated understanding attitude.

“Every time something does not work out as planned, he responds with flexibility and determination to find a different way to do it,” Banks said. “Being around Jake in the Student Council has taught me so much about being patient with others. Even when he might be stressed out with a million things to do, he treats people with kindness.”

Waller’s bright personality and leadership have been recognized by not only his peers but his teachers as well, including Student Council Advisor Ann Field. 

She went on to describe what it takes to be a student at Marlow and how Waller encompasses those characteristics.

“He is the epitome of what a Marlow Outlaw should be,” Field said. “He’s spirited, confident, hard working, giving, determined, positive and service minded.” 

Waller will continue to leave an impact at MHS with his confident and positive spirit in life and inspire others to show a little more generosity everyday.

After graduation, Waller hopes to carry this optimism and passion to a college of his choice.